England manager Gareth Southgate claims Bukayo Saka's consistent excellence has gone "under the radar" and believes the teenager's versatility is a huge asset.
But Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta says he is unsure if Saka will be fit to join up with England next week after he missed last night's game against Olympiacos through injury.
Saka was named in Southgate's squad for the World Cup qualifying triple-header as a forward having won his first four caps at wing-back, and the England manager said: “We could have listed him anywhere, frankly.
“He has been playing exceptionally well for Arsenal in midfield as an eight. He has played at full-back, at wing-back, wide on the right, wide on the left.
“It is hard to say if he is being undervalued because everyone knows he is a good player but given the level he has hit consistently, he has been a little bit under the radar in terms of profile – but that is no bad thing for a player.
“I thought he was incredibly mature for our games in the autumn. He is managing a little bit of a problem from last weekend and will have to be conscious of when we use him.
“He is another young player who has had an exceptional season playing in a team which has not always been at the top of their form but he has shown a strong personality in those moments and stepping up in big matches against big teams. We are very, very impressed.”
Saka was forced off in last Sunday's win over Tottenham with a tight hamstring and Arteta said last night: "We’ll make the decision for Sunday against West Ham and then we will talk with the doctors and the national team to decide what we do.”
