Atletico Madrid right-back Kieran Trippier has praised Bukayo Saka for his impressive character and mental strength.
The Hale End graduate enjoyed a fruitful summer with England during Euro 2020 after earning the Arsenal Player of the Year award for his consistent displays over the course of the Gunners' 2020/21 campaign.
The skilful winger was instrumental for the Three Lions on their route to the final, delivering a man of the match display against the Czech Republic in the group stage before firing in a pin-point low cross in the semi-final against Denmark that eventually found its way into the net via Danish captain Simon Kjaer.
However, his summer ended in heartbreak after he failed to convert his spot-kick during the penalty shootout in July's final against Italy as Roberto Mancini's side lifted the trophy at Wembley.
He subsequently suffered racist abuse on social media but has shown his resilience. The 20-year-old put in an eye-catching display for Gareth Southgate's men on Sunday as he provided a goal and an assist in a 4-0 win over Andorra during his return to north-west London's iconic stadium.
Following the full-time whistle, Trippier was full of praise for his compatriot, citing the youngster's noteworthy mental strength as one of his greatest assets.
“Bukayo, I know he is a young lad, but mentally he is strong,” said Trippier. “We were all there for him.
“But now it’s about him moving forward and enjoying his football, as he showed tonight. He was unbelievable, on his birthday as well.
“The thing with Bukayo is that he is a very strong character. A very good person to have around the place. The boys love him.
“The most important thing is that every training session and every game, he plays with a smile on his face and he has certainly shown that tonight.”
