Arsenal's Bukayo Saka beats Mahrez, Kvaratskhelia to best winger in the world

Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka has emerged as the best winger in the world for the 2022/2023 season ahead of Manchester City's Riyad Mahrez and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia of SSC Napoli.

Pulse Sports Nigeria can confirm that Saka was named ahead of the brilliant duo in the ESPN FC 100 released on Tuesday evening.

The 21-year-old was a key part of the Arsenal’s team that pushed eventual champions Manchester City to their limits in an entertaining title charge last season.

The Arsenal star was named top of the winger’s list in the ESPN FC 100 list ahead of Mahrez and Kvaratskhelia who both ended the season with league titles in England and the Serie A.

Saka proved to be a decisive force in what was an excellent 2022/2023 campaign for the Gunners.

According to the ESPN report, the youngster overcame defining moments in the Euro 2020, when he was insulted and abused for missing a penalty, to develop his game into the best winger in the world.

Saka was ever-present for Arsenal, playing in 37 of 38 matches in the Premier League. He also contributed 25 goals (14 goals, 11 assists) to help the Gunners return to the Champions League after a seven-year hiatus.

Arsenal rode on the form of their superstar Saka to top the Premier League table for over 240 days before an incredible collapse in the final weeks.

However, they came short in the end as City successfully defended their Premier League title en route to an unprecedented treble.

Saka ended his campaign with an excellent hattrick, his first for England, as they blee North Macedonia away in the Euro 2024 qualifiers.

He is projected to build on his form last season in the 2023/2024 campaign with Arsenal set to campaign on all fronts again.

Kvaratskhelia finished behind Saka on the list while Mahrez was considered only good enough for sixth place with teammate, Jack Grealish (third), Ousmane Dembele of Barcelona (fourth), and Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal (fifth) making up the top five.