Steven Gerrard has responded to Arsenal star Bukayo Saka’s comments about needing more protection from rival players.
The English coach admitted to the Mirror after Aston Villa’s 1-0 loss to Arsenal that Saka will have to learn to adapt to being fouled numerous times in games due to the nature of Premier League football and his style of play.
Despite scoring the game’s lone goal, the majority of the discussion surrounding Saka since his latest Arsenal performance has centered on how little protection the England international receives from opposing players from referees.
Saka was the victim of a rash challenge from Tyrone Mings that resulted in the Villa captain receiving a yellow card, with the Arsenal winger later telling BT Sport that he hopes referees can provide him with more protection.
However, according to Gerrard, Saka simply needs to learn to deal with the physicality of English football, with the Villa manager saying: “He’s a good player, an outstanding talent.” I adore him. But he can’t complain about that because it’s football.
I’m sitting here with screws in my hips right now. I’ve had about 16 surgeries. I’m finding it difficult to go to the gym right now. All of this is on the back of making a living in English football. He’ll figure it out, and he’ll figure it out quickly.”
Referee protection for Premier League players has always been minimal, and Saka’s latest comments following his performance for Arsenal are a stark reminder that more needs to be done by officials to ensure athletes’ well-being.
Indeed, Saka’s game is driven by running at players with the ball, and if opponents are not justly punished for consistent fouling and kicks on the Arsenal player, the England superstar’s career may end sooner than anyone expects.
