Football is full of bold claims, but when they come from a player as gifted and respected as Nico Williams, people take notice. The Athletic Bilbao winger has faced some of the biggest names in world football—from Barcelona’s teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal to PSG superstar Kylian Mbappé and Real Madrid’s electric Vinícius Júnior. Yet, according to Williams, none of those experiences compared to what he witnessed against Arsenal.
The player who left him stunned? Bukayo Saka.
At just 22, Arsenal’s No. 7 continues to climb to extraordinary heights, and Williams admitted that his latest performance still plays over in his mind. “I’ve faced Yamal, Mbappé, and Vinícius,” he said, “but what Saka did yesterday is still looking unreal to me.”
Saka’s Complete Performance
Against Bilbao, Saka delivered the kind of display that makes a lasting impression. Blending sharp attacking runs with clever positioning and selfless playmaking, he turned every touch into a threat. It wasn’t only his technical brilliance that impressed Williams—it was the maturity and consistency Saka showed, qualities that set him apart from many of his peers.
While Yamal dazzles with flashes of raw talent, and Mbappé and Vinícius have long been global icons, Saka has quietly become the heartbeat of Arsenal’s attack. He scores, creates, presses, and leads, often stepping up in the biggest moments. For Williams, that reliability is what makes him extraordinary.
Respect Across Borders
Williams’ words carry weight, not least because he himself is just 23 and already accustomed to testing himself against Europe’s best. To place Saka in the same bracket—and highlight him above names like Mbappé and Vinícius in a particular performance—reflects the growing respect Arsenal’s star commands across the continent.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has long argued that Saka belongs among the world’s top wingers. Nights like this one strengthen that case. His mix of creativity, end product, and defensive commitment embodies the archetype of the modern wide forward.
Entering the Elite Conversation
From a wider perspective, Williams’ admiration adds fuel to the ongoing debate about who truly deserves to be called the best young attacker in world football. Yamal has been dubbed the “next Messi.” Mbappé and Vinícius have been tipped as heirs to Messi and Ronaldo’s throne. But with Saka consistently delivering in both the Premier League and Champions League, his claim to that conversation is now undeniable.
For Arsenal fans, Williams’ comments will feel like validation of what they already know: their star winger is not just shining in England, but commanding recognition across Europe.
In truth, Williams’ statement is more than a compliment. It is a recognition that Bukayo Saka has already entered the realm of the elite. And if his latest performance is any indication, what we saw at the Emirates may only be the beginning of an even greater future.
