Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli ‘the two best wingers in Europe’. Claims Sporting Lisbon defender Jerry St. Juste
Jerry St. Juste, the defender for Sporting Lisbon, praised Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli from Arsenal as the top two wingers in all of Europe.
On Thursday night, Arsenal, who are currently leading the Premier League, will play against Sporting, a Portuguese team, in the first match of their Europa League last-16 tie.
It is uncertain how important the competition is for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, as their main goal is probably to win the Premier League, which they haven’t done since 2004.
However, if Saka and Martinelli are in the starting lineup, Sporting will face two exceptional players, as claimed by St. Juste.
Asked if Saka and Martinelli – who have been involved in 37 goals this season – are the two best wingers in Europe, St. Juste said: “Yeah, I think so.
“They have a lot of quality and they prove that weekly at the highest level so it’s going to be an exciting challenge.’
The Dutch centre-back added: “I think the players and staff see this as a great game to play. They are top of the Premier League and we want to test ourselves against the very best.
“We are expecting an Arsenal who wants to win, wants to press, with quality on the ball. We are expecting a dynamic Arsenal.”
Sporting is expected to include former Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin in their lineup, and St. Juste believes that his teammate is an important part of the squad.
“He has a lot of experience,’ the 26-year-old said. ‘He played at Arsenal for a long time. With his experience and dynamic football, he brings a lot to the team.”
At the moment, Sporting occupies the fourth position in the Portuguese Primeira Liga table. They were unable to make it to the knockout stages of the Champions League, which resulted in them dropping down to the Europa League.
Ruben Amorim admits his Sporting side will need to overpower a ‘very difficult opponent’ in Arsenal if they are to advance in the Europa League.
“Above all we know very well the spirit of Arsenal,’ he said at his pre-match press conference. ‘They are eager to win any match and that’s why they’ve been able to win right at the buzzer.
“You see how they celebrate the victories. We are ready to face the best Arsenal and we know that it will be a very difficult opponent. We’re all excited and looking forward to the match.”
Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli ‘the two best wingers in Europe’. Claims Sporting Lisbon defender Jerry St. Juste