Bukayo Saka’s rise has been a bright spot for Arsenal and English football – vindicating the faith in him from one of the former’s legends.

Freddie Ljungberg helped oversee Saka’s development when he was coaching the club’s Under 23s and was a staunch supporter of Saka.

Speaking in September 2018 after Arsenal U23s 4-0 win over Liverpool U23s, he said, as cited by Goal: ‘Bukayo is a great talent and played very, very well today.

‘We’ve given him 15 minutes here and 20 minutes there to help him get used to the tempo, the speed and strength of opponents, and he’s taken it in his stride.

‘He’s just going to get better and better, keep his head down and keep on working.’

Now fast-forwarding to three years and Ljungberg’s words have been vindicated with Saka a key man for club and country.

On Boxing Day, the 20-year-old served up a festive treat to Gunners supporters as he tore Norwich City to shreds in a 5-0 win at Carrow Road.

The England international scored twice as Mikel Arteta’s side cruised to a Premier League victory in Norfolk.

Saka now has eight goals in 25 appearances for Arsenal and England so far this season.