by Kolo Toure believes Bukayo Saka is approaching his ‘Michael Jordan moment’ when he picked the winger as the only Arsenal star who would be at home alongside the ‘Invincibles’.
Saka and his teammates travel to Manchester City on Wednesday night for their Premier League title showdown.
The Gunners have drawn their last three games and are now top five points clear, having played two games more than their nearest rivals.
It means the midweek clash at the Etihad Stadium could go a long way in determining the destination of the title this season, with Arsenal looking for their first Premier League crown in 19 years.
Toure was part of the squad that season and he won the league at City in 2012 and is a huge fan of Saka, backing the England international to potentially make up for Wednesday.
“This is the first time he’s had that pressure,” he replied when asked about Saka facing the expectations on his shoulders.
“But now it’s time for money. This is when Michael Jordan made his money. When he made a difference.
“They gave him the ball when the pressure was high and they were looking for the guy who could make the difference.
“The Arsenal team has Saka and this boy has a special talent for sure. He has led that team very well this season.
“In the upcoming games, he has to prove it. It’s not about age. It’s about talent. She has incredible talent and desire. He loves that club and I’m sure this is a player who can really push the team to the top.
Toure’s title at Arsenal came during an unbeaten season under Arsene Wenger in 2004 and the former Ivory Coast defender picked Saka as a member of the current ranks he would want in that squad.
When asked who would be at home in the ‘Invincibles’ team, he replied: “Obviously, Saka.
“This guy has a special talent. He has passion, he has desire. He has technique, he has everything.
“I was very impressed with what he is doing and for me, as a football man who has been in the game for a long time, watching the game, if the game is easy, is quite boring.
“But when I watch a game and it’s tight and I see a player willing to take the ball under pressure and make a difference, that’s what we love.
“But this moment is special because it’s the first time he’s faced all this. But there’s always a first time for everyone. If that moment is now, Arsenal can take advantage of it. Decidedly.”
Toure believes City are title favorites because they found momentum at the right time, but that doesn’t mean he thinks Pep Guardiola’s side will inevitably pick up points against Arsenal.
“With the momentum that Man City have, they are the favorites at the moment in my opinion,” he added.
“I still believe Arsenal have made City suffer a lot this season. The last game I watched, City were definitely struggling against them. If Arsenal play the same way and don’t make mistakes, they can surprise Manchester City for sure.”
When asked if Guardiola’s side were good enough to win the Treble adding FA Cup and Champions League glory to potential title success, Toure added: “Absolutely.
“They have the manager. They have the players and I definitely think they can, because they have it all, really. Everything you need to win the treble.”
:: She’s game for the title. Watch Man City – Arsenal, the biggest match of the season, live exclusively on BT Sport 1 on Wednesday 26th April from 7pm. For more information, visit: bt.com/sport
