The teenager with the world at his feet

Can you succeed too soon? At 19, Bukayo Saka has already made his mark in the England team and emerged as one of the most exciting new talents at the European Championships. For a teenage footballer, it could hardly have been a bigger stage. Playing for England at Wembley against Germany was the stuff of dreams. Between them, the teams fielded some of the most talented players. But few excited the crowd more than England’s winger, Bukayo Saka. Alongside Saka’s technical gifts, football writer Matt Hughes praised his temperament. None of this came as any surprise to Arsenal fans. They voted the 19-year-old player of the season. He accepted the award modestly: “I’m so delighted, and my family are so happy. It’s just such an honour to put the shirt on and represent you guys.” Born in London to Nigerian parents, Saka was soccer-mad from childhood. At school in West London, he is remembered with affection. Bukayo was seven when he started at ArsenalCollection of weapons. ’s Hale End academy. “It was quite a struggle for my parents to help get me there,” he remembers, “but they always gave their all and got me in training”. Despite his devotion to football, Saka never neglected schoolwork, gaining four A*s and three As in his GCSEs. At 17 he signed a contract with Arsenal. Two months later he made his debut – and in less than two years he was playing for England. Can you succeed too soon? Useful youth Yes. In every walk of life, there are people who made a splash at the beginning of their careers only to fade into obscurity. It is better to work your way up gradually so that when you reach the peak you have a proper understanding of the world and are not carried away by success or open to exploitation. No. Athletes have limited careers and need to progress as fast as possible. Saka has the speed and energy of youth. All these talents are priceless assets in a game like football. Someone level-headed can cope with the downsides of wealth and fame, and he meets that description. KeywordsArsenal - Collection of weapons.