Bukayo Saka’s meteoric rise has made him a marked man on the pitch

But instead of being frustrated by the constant fouls, the young Arsenal star has found a unique way to turn the aggression against him into fuel for his own success.

His remarkable composure and mental strength have become key parts of his game, making him an even greater threat.

Arsenal's English midfielder #07 Bukayo Saka reacts in pain after a foul during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Fulham at the Emirates Stadium in London on August 26, 2023. (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal’s English midfielder #07 Bukayo Saka reacts in pain after a foul during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Fulham at the Emirates Stadium in London on August 26, 2023. (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty Images)

Saka’s transformation: from annoyance to advantage

“I just think it’s me,” Bukayo Saka told beIN SPORTS, explaining his ability to keep smiling after rough challenges. He revealed that conversations with opponents and teammates helped him understand why defenders target him so relentlessly. Instead of getting annoyed, he now sees it as a compliment. “I don’t think a defender would be calling for help or… want to smash me if he didn’t see me as a threat,” Saka explained.

The psychology of a target

LONDON, ENGLAND: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal celebrates after scoring the team's third goal during the UEFA Champions League match between Arsenal FC and RC Lens at Emirates Stadium on November 29, 2023. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal celebrates after scoring the team’s third goal during the UEFA Champions League match between Arsenal FC and RC Lens at Emirates Stadium on November 29, 2023. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Saka’s shift in mindset is a masterclass in sports psychology. By seeing fouls as a testament to his skill, he maintains focus and confidence: “If he tries to smash me and I get away with it… I just laugh and just get on with the game”. He understands the defender’s objective, and it only fuels his determination to succeed.

This mental toughness is vital for Saka. He acknowledges, “I just try and keep my temper, because I know when I do lose my head, I don’t play well.”

Conversations for clarity

LENS, FRANCE - OCTOBER 03: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal reacts before being substituted during the UEFA Champions League match between RC Lens and Arsenal FC at Stade Bollaert-Delelis on October 03, 2023 in Lens, France. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
LENS, FRANCE – OCTOBER 03: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal reacts before being substituted during the UEFA Champions League match between RC Lens and Arsenal FC at Stade Bollaert-Delelis on October 03, 2023 in Lens, France. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Intriguingly, Saka has sought to understand his opponents’ motivations directly. “I’ve had a few conversations with opposition, even sometimes the players here… they just explain to me so I understand.

“As long as no one tackles me really, really badly [it’s okay] because obviously I don’t want to be injured or I don’t want to be playing through pain, I don’t think anyone wants that.”

Results on the pitch

BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 30: Milos Kerkez of AFC Bournemouth challenges Bukayo Saka of Arsenal during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Arsenal FC at Vitality Stadium on September 30, 2023 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Christopher Lee/Getty Images)
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 30: Milos Kerkez of AFC Bournemouth challenges Bukayo Saka of Arsenal during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Arsenal FC at Vitality Stadium on September 30, 2023 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Christopher Lee/Getty Images)

Saka’s approach is paying serious dividends. He’s on a scorching run of goal-scoring form with eight goals in his last seven games and 16 in total this season, demonstrating that being a target only makes him stronger.

His ability to thrive under pressure is a major reason behind Arsenal’s success this season.

Saka foul stats

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 02: Matheus Cunha of Wolverhampton Wanderers reacts after fouling Bukayo Saka of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Emirates Stadium on December 02, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 02: Matheus Cunha of Wolverhampton Wanderers reacts after fouling Bukayo Saka of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Emirates Stadium on December 02, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Saka has been fouled 265 times since he first put on an Arsenal shirt, at least officially. We know the real figure is a lot higher given how many fouls are just waved away.

In return, he has given away 161 fouls, picking up 22 yellows for his troubles.

This season, Saka has been fouled 49 times in 24 games.

  • 19/20: Saka fouled on average 1.43 times per game.
  • 20/21: 2.25
  • 21/22: 1.78
  • 22/23: 1.84
  • 23/24: 2.07