Jude Bellingham makes claim about Bukayo Saka at left-back after England 2-1 Slovakia

06/30/2024 04:25 PM

Jude Bellingham has now shared his thoughts on Arsenal No.7 Bukayo Saka playing at left-back during England’s 2-1 win over Slovakia.

The Hale End academy graduate was moved into defence by Gareth Southgate when Kieran Trippier was withdrawn in the 66th minute, with Cole Palmer taking that spot out on the right of attack.

Interestingly, the tactical decision came just days after Bukayo Saka himself publicly said it was not the answer to deploy him out of position, and Jude Bellingham has now commented on the Arsenal star playing at left-back…

What Jude Bellingham said about Bukayo Saka

The Real Madrid No.5 has now heaped praise on the 22-year-old for the sacrifice he made against Slovakia.

Lee Dixon suggested the Arsenal No.7 would not be happy about the tactical change given his comments on the matter, with Saka telling BBC 5 Live: “I don’t think putting me out of position is the solution, but at the end of the day… it’s in Gareth’s hands so we will just have to trust whoever Gareth selects on the day.”

Discussing the switch, Bellingham told Optus Sport: “Look at who came on there. We’ve won this game together. Not me, not Harry (Kane). Not the individual moments where you look back on it in a few years talking about the game.

“The likes of Ivan Toney, Eze, Cole Palmer, and I could name all the rest coming on. Bukayo going to left-back. You know, the sacrifice that you make for a team. That’s the energy we need to keep in the team regardless of what goes on outside it.”

Arsenal No.7 does deserve credit

Having scored 20 goals – while assisting another 14 – in 47 appearances last season, Saka surely believed he was capable of making a difference at 1-0 down against Slovakia, and presumably felt hurt to be taken out of the frontline.

Nevertheless, the Arsenal star simply got on with it, and proceeded to deliver a very effective performance.

SofaScore shows that Saka completed 90% of his passes against Slovakia, while also winning seven ground duels – which is mightily impressive for someone not considered a natural defender.

READ MORE: Declan Rice was absolutely furious after England 2-1 Slovakia

Furthermore, the England international completed four successful dribbles and made a key pass, on a day where his superb attitude was there for all to see.