has added a ‘ruthless’ side to his game and has ‘real belief’ in front of goal now, says England manager after another fine performance from the Arsenal star.
The 21-year-old scored a superb curled effort from the edge of the box to complete the scoring for the Three Lions in a 2-0 win over at Wembley.
It is the eight goal for his country and it has been a fine season in front of goal for his club as well, netting 13 times in all competitions, which is already the best tally of his career so far.
Southgate was full of praise for Saka and another young superstar in , but added on the Arsenal man that it is a ‘ruthless’ side that he has noticed develop in him.
‘It is the mentality that is the outstanding part,’ Southgate told Channel 4 of Saka and Bellingham. ‘Everyone can see technical quality but these two boys have the humility and want to learn. They work unbelievably hard and they are a joy to work with.
‘It is a top-level finish [from Saka]. That is the ruthless part he has added to his game in the last 18 months or so. There were times you weren’t sure he was going to finish but now he has that confidence in front of goal.’
Speaking to a press conference, Southgate expanded on Saka, saying the youngster has now added the mentality needed to be a world class winger.
‘When he’s in front of goal now he plays with real belief, that’s evident with his club and the games with us. You’re expecting him to score now when he goes through,’ said the England boss.
‘I think that’s been a mentality shift as much as anything technical, he’s always had the techniques.
‘He knows to be a really top wide player then you need the numbers of goals and assists, he’s without a doubt delivered that this season.’
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