Bukayo Saka’s Answer to Question About Vinicius Jr and Mbappe Goes Viral
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka gave an interesting response when asked about how he compares to Real Madrid duo Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior. The Gunners are set to meet Los Blancos at the Emirates on Tuesday night for their Champions League quarter-final, with the winners going on to face either PSG or Aston Villa.
Question marks have sometimes been raised as to whether or not Saka is a true world-class talent, largely due to the fact that he is yet to win a major trophy while being a key component for club or country. However, the winger fired back at a reporter when asked about his standing alongside Mbappe and Vinicius.
Saka Shuts Down Mbappe and Vinicius Comparison
The winger stood his ground when asked about the Galacticos
Saka appeared alongside manager Mikel Arteta for Monday’s pre-match press conference ahead of the European tie and was asked by one reporter how far away he felt he was to the levels of the likes of the two Real Madrid attackers. Standing his ground, Saka asserted that he did not view himself as being a level below the pair, while also firing back at the ‘very opinionated’ question.
I think it’s very opinionated. I think everyone will have something different to say. I don’t really want to start sitting here saying they’re a level above me and stuff like this because that’s not the way I think. I just leave everyone to have their opinion, but other things will speak for itself.”
Saka returned from a three-month absence due to a hamstring injury to score in his first game back as he came off the bench to help his side beat Fulham. This was followed by a second-half cameo in the draw against Everton last weekend, with many believing that Saka will be thrown in from the start against the Spanish giants.
Saka’s Season Compared to Mbappe and Vinicius
The Englishman has been less productive in front of goal this term
Despite the fact that injuries have meant that Saka’s overall goal contributions are down from where he finished the 2023/24 campaign, his numbers are very comparable to those of Mbappe and Vinicius. Though the Madrid stars are out in front in terms of overall goal contributions (36 and 30 compared to Saka’s 23), it is the Englishman’s production that is more impressive.
Saka has managed a goal and assist every 82 minutes, whereas Mbappe and Vinicius have managed one every 106 and 114 respectively. This is despite the fact that the Arsenal forward averages fewer shots per game.
Furthermore, Saka has also completed more key passes per ninety and ranks second in successful dribbles behind Mbappe, showcasing just how comparable he is to the Ballon d’Or contender .
All statistics courtesy of Transfermarket & Sofascore – accurate as of 08/04/2025.