Joe Cole claims that Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka will give Emerson Palmieri plenty of problems to deal with when Italy take on England at the Euro 2020 final on Sunday.
The Italians booked their place in the upcoming finale by beating Spain on penalties on Tuesday evening, before England came through a tight encounter with Denmark in extra-time to earn their place alongside them.
There will be little complains about the two sides who have both been the standout performers for much of the tournament, with both defences having stayed consistently strong throughout, conceding just four goals between them (three for Italy and one for England).
I wouldn’t expect that either side will be taking too many risks in that sense when the final kicks off either, but one player who could well make the difference is Arsenal’s Saka.
“I think Saka will give Emerson so much problems,” Joe Cole told his JOE’s YouTube channel.
“Emerson is a good player, but he has not played all year. He has come into the tournament. I think Saka will run at him and twist and turn him off that right side.”
We all know that Saka can cause problems for any defence, and while Emerson is known for his defensive strengths, he surely can’t be as match fit as he would have liked heading into the Euro 2020 final.
Could Saka be the man to make the difference for England on Sunday?
Patrick
Am just happy Saka is an Arsenal player right now but I pray Arteta and Edu don’t sell him because interest from big clubs will start coming in soon, considering the fact that arsenal don’t know how to sell player getting big money.
Just like Cole I raised this matter in response to the article on Saka yesterday.It did not go down well with certain fans who did not seem to think England deserved to win but not everyone has had the benefit of getting to know the game through scouting, and playing football at a decent level.In any event, Saka and/or Foden will be a big test for Emerson if he starts, and Manchini may bring in Locatelli instead of Veratti to aid the Chelsea man as the former is better defensively.Could Manchini surprise everyone by switching to a back three to counter England’s dangerous front three?Historically ,Italian teams loved to defend in depth but under Manchini the have played an attacking 4-3-3 system which has been successful.I shall await the team news on Sunday with considerable interest.
I raised this very point in response to the article on Saka yesterday.Joe Cole has gone up in my estimation?
Arsenal wouldn’t dare sell our star boy Saka. MA is trying to build his own team around our youngsters like Saka, ESR, Tierney ,Martinelli etc he, according to reports almost signing Tavares, Lokonga, Ben, courting Aouar, gave Balogun, Tierney, Okonkwo new deals, Tailor Kiddo almost signing new deal and talking to ESR presently to sign a new deal, so why would he want one of the already established youngster leave. Arsenal declined Aston Vila third bid of £30 for Emile just yesterday. I wouldn’t be worried about Arsenal selling any of our young future stars because we’re no more a selling club