Arsenal legend Alan Smith says Bukayo Saka remains a “first-class player” despite recent criticism of his performances.

The winger was back to his best against Lille on Tuesday night, scoring and providing an assist after coming on as a substitute during the 3-0 win.

Speaking exclusively to Gooner News (courtesy of Best Betting Sites UK), Smith said that, despite Saka still being a key player, he no longer has to start every game for the Gunners, and that “might help him” in the long run:

“There looks to be a slight change in role for Saka. He’s drifting inside a little bit more now, and that’s where he got his goal last night. But he’s not as indispensable. He’s still important to the team, but he didn’t start last night against Lille.”

“He’s not as indispensable, and in a way, that might help him moving forward. He can have a little bit more of a rest at times. I think perhaps at some stages he’s been overplayed. But I’ve got no real worries about Bukayo Saka. He’s a first-class player.”

Saka’s record this season is still good

Many pundits, including Smith’s former teammate David O’Leary, raised doubts about his performance levels following the 2-1 victory over Leeds last weekend.

However, Saka is still producing the numbers. In all competitions this campaign, the 25-year-old has scored 4 goals and provided 1 assist in 9 appearances.

Have Arsenal overplayed him?

It was definitely the case up until last season that if Saka was fit, he would start every single Premier League and Champions League fixture.

The signing of Noni Madueke from Chelsea last year did alter the dynamic, though, with Saka actually making six league appearances from the substitutes’ bench during the 2025/26 campaign, which was unheard of in prior seasons.

With games being played every few days, the England international is likely to start more matches as a sub over the coming weeks.