Zinchenko reveals the Arsenal player that desperately needs referee protection

Oleksandr Zinchenko has opened up about his teammate Bukayo Saka, and believes that the young 21 year old star deserves protection from the referees. After Saka scored one goal in Arsenal’s 4-2 win that propelled them to first place on the Premier League table, Zinchenko said:

“Bukayo is an unbelievable player, all the full backs from the other teams they know he’s so dangerous, so they try to provoke him, tackle him and the referees should know this. We can speak about Messi, Cristiano, Neymar and players like this. ” Zinchenko told Evening Standard.

“The referees need to protect this kind of player. Apart from Bukayo, we have other forward players who are so dangerous and the referees need to be careful, they need to look after them of course.”

Zinchenko’s comments come after Saka was heavily targeted in Arsenal’s 4-2 win over Leicester City. The young star was forced off in the second half due to injury but not before he had already made a huge impact on the game with his goal . It is clear that Zinchenko believes that Saka deserves more protection from referees due to his immense talent and numerous targeting from their opponents.

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 18: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal holds off Alexandre Moreno of Aston Villa during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Arsenal FC at Villa Park on February 18, 2023 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

The Ukrainian international has been a key part of Arsenal’s success this season, playing a major role in their rise up the Premier League table. He has been praised for his defensive work rate as well as his ability to create chances going forward. His comments about protecting Saka show just how highly he rates his teammate and how much respect he has for him as a player.

It is clear that Zinchenko believes that Saka deserves more protection from referees due to his immense talent and being constantly targeted by opponents to stop him. With Zinchenko’s backing, The Arsenal fans will hope that Saka starts to be given more protection by referees in order for him to reach his full potential on the pitch.