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Bukayo Saka “brings happiness to everyone else” in the England camp, according to Ben Chilwell, who joined Oleksandr Zinchenko in lauding Sunday’s Euro 2024 qualifying match-winner.
Saka has enjoyed an outstanding season for Arsenal, playing alongside Zinchenko, with 12 goals and 10 assists in the Premier League as the Gunners bid for a first title in 19 years.
Only Erling Haaland (33) and Harry Kane (23) can top the winger’s 22 goal involvements in the competition.
And Saka has continued that form on the international stage with England, most recently in a 2-0 win over Zinchenko’s Ukraine at Wembley.
The 21-year-old produced a sublime cross for Kane’s opener, then quickly went one better with a sensational long-range strike. He has 10 goal involvements in his past 16 games for England.
Like Chilwell and Zinchenko, Saka was previously used as a left-back when he broke through at Arsenal, prompting some bemusement from his England team-mate.
“I can’t believe he played at left back when he can do that,” Chilwell said. “He’s such a great talent.
“I think everyone can see what he gives on the pitch, but he’s one of the best people I’ve met in football as well.
“We see him on a daily basis around the camp, and he just brings happiness to everyone else. He’s always smiling. He’s a good guy to be around.
“And then he comes out on the pitch and delivers like that for us – an assist and a goal and ultimately wins the game. So, I’m delighted for him.”
Zinchenko, used in a midfield role at international level while poor Vitalii Mykolenko suffered up against Saka, added: “He’s an amazing player. We knew that.
“He’s on fire at the moment, and I wish him that to the end of the season.
“I said already that there are no friends on the pitch; unfortunately, he beat me today, but I will take revenge.”
