The noughties saw the English national soccer team, the Three Lions, blessed with some incredible talents. Players like Steven Gerrard, Paul Scholes, Frank Lampard, Wayne Rooney, and David Beckham dominated the club games. But, they failed to replicate the same form for their national team. However, the emergence of Arsenal soccer player Bukayo Saka has been a revelation. He became the focal point for England’s Euro 2020 push and performed remarkably well during the 2022 Qatar World Cup. And now, a former Premier League icon has rated him over Beckham.
The Arsenal superstar, who is touted as one of the best right wingers in the world, is just 21. He has a long way to go, but has certainly impressed fans and pundits alike in recent years. Hence, the controversial pundit and former Aston Villa striker, Gabby Agbonlahor, has put him in his England all-time eleven.
Bukayo Saka receives massive praise when compared to David Beckham!
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In an interview with talkSPORT, the Hale End graduate received heavy praise from Gabby as he explained the reasons for his inclusion. He stated, “I’d pick Saka over Beckham if I could pick an England team. I said it during the World Cup. I would have Saka over Beckham. When I saw Saka at the World Cup, he was outstanding.” Despite the former Premier League player’s claims, it will be bewildering for many fans how a young wunderkind like Saka would get into England’s all-time eleven.
“I’d pick Saka over Beckham!” 🔥
🏴 “He takes players on, he scores goals. He’s on the right, in my best England team.”
Gabby Agbonlahor doesn’t flinch when ranking Bukayo Saka & David Beckham! 👀 pic.twitter.com/YnwoyMqxjS
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) April 12, 2023
Agbonlahor, in his defense, explained how he kept Manchester City star Phil Foden out of the team. He pointed out the pace, goal-scoring ability, and work ethic of Saka. In addition, he also focused on his unique dribbling ability. Currently, the player has made 26 appearances for England while contributing to 15 goals.
Talking about his club form, Saka has 12 goals and ten assists in the Premier League and propelled Arsenal to the top of the English Premier League points table. So how different were the playing styles of Beckham and Saka?
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Two unique right-wingers with varied abilities
The glaring differences in playing style are there for all to see. David Beckham will always remain one of the greatest soccer players of the game. Likewise, he remained a fashion icon, who was particularly known for his unique hairstyles around the globe. Getting into the playing style, Beckham was a trademark right winger who pinged in crosses into the box. He had a wand of a right foot and became one of the best free-kick takers the game had ever seen. His impressive passing range was vital for Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United to get through low-blocks.
Compared to the Manchester United legend, Saka is an inverted winger who cuts inside to both score and assist. He works on teamwork and work rate and has a stunning all-round game. Therefore, Saka is one of the best players in world soccer. However, whether he ranks under England’s greatest is up for debate. He certainly has all the skills to become a world-class player. Do you agree with Agbonlahor’s pick?
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