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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Matthew Cooper

Eric Dier admits Arsenal rival has "gone under the radar" ahead of Tottenham showdown

Eric Dier believes Bukayo Saka's impressive performances for Arsenal this season have "gone a bit under the radar" when compared to "other young, English players".

Saka has been a key member of Mikel Arteta's side this season, with the 19-year-old scoring six goals and providing seven assists in 33 appearances in all competitions.

Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of the North London derby on Sunday, Tottenham defender Dier labelled Saka a "fantastic player" and admitted he has been impressed by the teenager while on international duty with England.

"I have spent a lot of time now with Bukayo in the international set-up," he said. "I think he is a fantastic player.

Eric Dier has praised Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka ahead of the North London derby (Sky Sports)

"I think he has gone a bit under the radar, if anything, in terms of what he has done this season compared to other young, English players.

"He is a fantastic guy as well. I enjoy spending time with him when we are with England. But when we play [against each other], all of that is irrelevant - I just want to win."

Bukayo Saka has been in impressive form this season (Getty Images)

Saka was recently named Arsenal 's player of the month for the third month in a row and former Arsenal midfielder Ray Parlour believes he is the best teenager in the Premier League.

Speaking to talkSPORT last month, Parlour said: "He's certainly up there. Teenagers wise, he probably is [the best]. Foden is 20 but he's different class as well. We've got so many good players coming through.

"It's a good problem to have as you're going into a Euro Championships knowing you've got so much quality. He's just got to get the right balance now.

"He's got to get the right team selection and it's down to Gareth to say 'what system am I going to play? And to get the best out of the players. That's what he's got to try and find out but Saka has certainly been superb this season."

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