Bukayo Saka has claimed top spot in the CIES observatory young stars with two months of the season left to play.
The widely recognised data analysis site, which takes into account minutes played as well as performances relative to teammates, has placed the Arsenal star (still only 20) at the head of their list, compiled across 32 European Leagues and only using those with over 1000 minutes to their name this campaign.
Saka has starred for the Gunners as they look to push for a top 4 spot that many deemed impossible at the start of the season. Despite their most recent defeat, 3-0 at the hands of Crystal Palace, the Gunners remain favourites for 4th spot, and Saka has played a major part in that becoming a reality.
The 20-year-old has contributed nine goals and five assists in 29 Premier League ties so far, and seems a shoo in for the England side in Gareth Southgate’s World Cup squad for Qatar in November, if not a starter for the Three Lions.
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Palace also on the list
Another impressive addition to the list is Crystal Palace forward Michael Olise, who ranks fifth on the observatory list despite having only seen limited game time this season for the Eagles under Vieira.
The Frenchman, also only 20 years old, has scored twice and provided five assists for the South London side, and seemingly has a bright future ahead of him. Having already swapped Reading for South London, it is hard to see him staying there should he continue to impress, with a bigger move surely on the horizon.
| Bukayo Saka | Arsenal | 20.6 | |
| Mason Greenwood | Manchester United | 20.5 | |
| Patrick Wimmer | Arminia Bielefeld | 20.8 | |
| Josko Guardiol | RB Leipzig | 20.2 | |
| Michael Olise | Crystal Palace | 20.3 | |
| Piero Hincapié | Bayer Leverkusen | 20.2 | |
| Castello Lukeba | Lyon | 19.3 | |
| Gonçalo Ramos | SL Benfica | 20.8 | |
| Nico Williams | Athletic Club | 20.1 | |
| Georginio Rutter | Hoffenheim | 19.9 |
The whole list of 100 names can be found here.
