Unai Emery backs Bukayo Saka for 'long career' at Arsenal | OneFootball

Unai Emery has backed Bukayo Saka to have a “long career” at Arsenal after successfully breaking into the first team.

The 17-year-old created history on New Year’s Day, becoming the first player born in 2001 to feature in a Premier League match after coming on as an 83rd-minute substitute against Fulham.

Arsenal are often known for handing young players opportunities and Emery insists his tenure will be no different.

“I am using different players because of injuries, because of a busy schedule,” he told the Evening Standard. “But it’s a chance to play well against each team we play.

“Saka made his debut and it’s important for us to give young players chances. We lack players for the right and left wing and he is growing with good performances.

“It could be the beginning, I hope, of a long career here in Arsenal. We have other players the same — Emile Smith Rowe, Joe Willock and Eddie Nketiah — and we need to give them chances.”

Saka is likely to feature in the FA Cup third round fixture against Blackpool on Saturday.