“It’s recognition of all the hard work I’ve been putting in" - Arsenal star Bukayo Saka reacts to Ballon d'Or nomination

Arsenal star Bukayo Saka has become an irreplaceable player for both club and country in recent years. In recognition of his contributions last season, the 23-year-old earned a place among the top 30 nominees for the Ballon d’Or, an achievement he described as a testament to his performances.

Saka joined Arsenal’s academy at the age of seven and made his debut for the club in 2018. After Mikel Arteta took charge in 2019, he was given the opportunity to shine, a challenge he has taken with both hands and succeeded.

In 2022-23, the winger was named the PFA Young Player of the Year after scoring 14 goals and providing 11 assists as Arsenal pushed Manchester City in the title race.

Saka scored 16 goals and provided nine assists in the following season, earning a spot on the Ballon d’Or shortlist alongside three of his teammates - Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice, and William Saliba.

In an interview with Arsenal’s media, Saka expressed that his nomination is a reward for the hard work he’s put in on the training ground.

“It’s obviously a huge honour to be in the top 30 best players in the world on that list. It’s recognition of all the hard work I’ve been putting in across the season, so it’s a really nice moment to see your name on the list," Saka said (via Tribal Football).

The young winger, who began his senior career as a left-back, discussed how he has evolved into one of the top wingers in the league. He also shared his motivation to achieve even more with his boyhood club.

"Since I was young, I always wanted to be a player that has an important role in the team, whether it’s scoring goals or making goals, just being the difference in the final third. When I came into the first team, I was starting at the back, but in the back of my mind I still wanted to be involved in the goals," he added.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta provides Bukayo Saka injury update after victory over Tottenham Hotspur

Saka has once again started the season strongly, racking up four assists and one goal in just four games. One of those assists came in the North London Derby when Gabriel rose highest to head home his corner.

The forward was a standout in Arsenal’s success against Spurs, tirelessly tracking back to contain Destiny Udogie while also providing a key outlet on the break. However, his efforts appeared to take a toll, as he seemed to pick up an injury and had to be substituted late in the game.

Mikel Arteta later explained that the substitution was forced, but admitted he was unsure about the severity of the injury.

“I don’t know [the extent of the problem]. I made two changes with the front players, and suddenly he’s down. I looked at the bench and the options that we had and we had to adapt. I don’t know exactly what it is, but he could not continue," Arteta said (via SportBible).

Arsenal fans will certainly be hoping it’s nothing more than a minor knock, as the team prepares to face Atalanta in the Champions League, followed by a clash with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, September 22.