Bukayo Saka and Mason Greenwood have been the Premier League’s most exciting breakout stars this season.
One has quietly earned the praise of his manager through consistently impressive performances as a utility player, while the other has blown sides away with his laser-like finishing ability.
The former, Saka, has registered more assists than any other Arsenal player this season, while Greenwood has scored 15 goals across all competitions in his debut campaign as a Manchester United first-teamer.
Goalscorers typically take more of the plaudits than the players who create the chances for them, but both talents must be respected. Greenwood’s assimilation to United’s senior setup has been seamless, and crucially his workload has been managed ever so carefully.
Saka’s step up to becoming a regular at the Emirates Stadium has been equally impressive, especially considering how many different roles he has been asked to undertake.
The Arsenal academy graduate has played left-back, left winger, central midfield and in recent games as a ‘free eight’. It displays tremendous in-game intelligence for a player so young and so inexperienced.
Greenwood’s emergence at Manchester United followed his time in the youth setup where he was subject to considerable hype.
His two-footedness, ball-striking ability and innate centre-forward’s movement immediately stuck out for the U18s and U23s, earmarking him as the most hotly-anticipated player in the youth ranks.
Saka was always highly-rated at Arsenal’s Hale End academy setup, and had a similarly impressive goalscoring record, scoring at a steadier rate mainly from the left wing.
The main parallel between Greenwood and Saka is that very few will have anticipated both making such an impact in their maiden campaigns at such prestigious clubs.
While Greenwood is a player who thrives at taking on opponents one-on-one, Saka is much more adept at putting his foot on the ball and progressing it with a pass.
Greenwood’s technique may be better when it comes to shooting, and as a centre-forward there is no question he is one of England’s best young prospects, but in terms of adaptability, versatility and all-round ability Saka is unmatched.
For Arsenal, Saka has been a bastion of hope for the club’s supporters. He has embodied everything about the club they celebrate; producing their own local talent, and providing opportunities in the first-team to players who deserve to make the step up.
During a time in which Arsenal are undergoing financial difficulties having spent a number of years outside the Champions League, Saka is a ray of light.
Mikel Arteta’s willingness to use him in a variety of roles evidences his trust in the youngster. He has been starting games regularly under the Spaniard and for the most part has been one of Arsenal’s most consistent performers.
To a certain degree, the early days of the Arteta era will be remembered for the consistency and level-headedness of Saka, wherever he has been deployed.
On the other hand, Greenwood has been drip-fed minutes gradually over the course of this season under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
At no point during the campaign could Solskjær have been described as relying on Greenwood to deliver a stellar performance in a crunch game. Rather, Solskjaer has relied on Marcus Rashford in the same way Arteta is currently trusting in Bukayo Saka.
Should neither succumb to a serious injury or face a severe dip in form, it is entirely possible they will be playing with each other in the England team in years to come.
They are both supremely talented, as they have shown this season: Greenwood as a dynamic, direct centre-forward; Saka as a deeper, more versatile, creative influence.
