'I didn't think' - Thierry Henry makes very honest Bukayo Saka admission after Arsenal win vs PSG

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has been left astounded by Bukayo Saka's meteoric rise to prominence at the north London club.

The young star, who joined the renowned Hale End academy at the age of seven, has soared through the ranks to become a key player for Arsenal, making his senior debut in 2018. With more than 230 outings and 60 goals for Arsenal's first team under his belt, Saka has turned heads, including Henry's, who candidly confessed he underestimated him initially.

The Arsenal icon reflected on Saka's journey during an appearance on CBS Sports, saying: "I saw him at the academy and I didn't think he would be that good, I'll be honest with you. But when you work, you have that work ethic, you have a good family behind you, cause I know the family, he is clever, he works well.

"I really saw a player reaching his level, because right now he is at a level, hard to arrive. He has been there for almost three years if I am being honest."

When discussing Saka's versatility and attitude, Henry praised his approach, stating: "At the European Championship (with England) they are asking him to play wing-back, he plays wing-back. He goes and defends for his right-back, he goes wide, he goes left, he goes behind, he does everything without complaining. He plays every single game."

Saka has also been praised by his manager, Mikel Arteta, who said: "He played in the Carabao Cup, he played after the World Cup straight away in the first round of the FA Cup. It will be a dream for a full-back to have a guy like that in front of you, defending like that, going on the counter, he makes the job easier for everybody."

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The 23-year-old had a remarkable season last year, scoring 20 goals and providing 14 assists across all competitions. He has started the current season in impressive form, with two goals and five assists. His most recent goal came in the Champions League win against PSG.

As Arsenal prepare to face Southampton in the Premier League, Saka expressed cautious optimism about their title chances: "I don't want to put too much pressure on us, but I do think this is the year. We have been close for the past two years and we are getting closer, but, yes, hopefully this will be the year.

"There is a lot of hunger in my belly. In previous years we have finished runners-up, but that spirit in me is that I want to win this season and I believe in myself a lot."