Speaking after Arsenal's clash against Sheffield United, Mikel Arteta has hinted Bukayo Saka's long-term future could well lie at left-back.

What did he say?

The Arsenal academy product has predominantly played in a more advanced role for the Gunners this season, playing at left-midfield or left-wing on a total of 14 separate occasions as per Transfermarkt, scoring twice and providing five assists.

But with the likes of Kieran Tierney and Sead Kolasinac struggling with injuries - the former being out for the next couple of months with a dislocated shoulder - Saka has been forced to deputise at full-back for his more senior teammates. Despite seemingly playing out of position, the 18-year-old has performed admirably, with his performance against Sheffield United particularly pleasing.

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As per Sofascore, he had 98 touches of the ball, won five of his eight ground duels, and it was his deflected cross that saw Gabriel Martinelli net the opener. And speaking after the game, Arteta delivered a major hint as to where Saka could be playing in the long-term.

He said (as quoted by Football.London): "I think he could (have a future at left-back) because he’s willing to learn, he is applying himself big time. He is someone that's has never played (that position) before but he’s really trying to do it as well as possible.

"You can see that he’s got many strengths to play in that position. Obviously he needs games, he needs experience and he needs to improve in some areas but that's very good."

Promise

For an 18-year-old to come in and play in an unnatural position, and that too in a defence where Arsenal have been so creaky as a whole this season - they have already conceded 32 goals in the Premier League - is a real testament to Saka's abilities and professionalism.

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The starlet is earning rave reviews from his manager because he is taking to his task with little complaint, and striving to learn as Arteta alludes to. It's the kind of mentality that the rest of the Gunners could do with, particularly in these testing times where a top-four place looks way off. Even if they don't make it into the Champions League for next season, the way Saka has been performing bodes well for a bright future in north London.

Meanwhile, Arsenal fans are buzzing with this former academy product's goal.