Arsenal youngster Bukayo Saka says dealing with the growing pains as an academy player was frustrating, dealing with the continuous heel and knee pains.

Saka signed his first professional contract when he turned 17 and was handed his debut by former Arsenal Boss Unai Emery.

Recounting his formative years, the youngster told the club’s website that:

I got impatient at times. When I was really young I had a lot of growing pains, and it was really frustrating.

I had problems with my heels and my knees, but that happens when you grow up.

At the time though you don’t have the patience, I just wanted to play all the time.

I kept asking how long it would be until I was playing without pain.

But looking back I know it wasn’t so hard. I know other people have been through much worse.

Subsequently, he made 7 league starts in his debut season and mostly as a Winger.

This campaign though, he has been switched to a more defensive role as a wing back and has made 17 appearances in the EPL.

But it is in the UEFA Europa League the youngster is pulling strings for Arsenal.

He has registered five assists in the Europa League this season (excluding qualifiers), more than any other player.

Saka has nine assists to his name in all competitions, more than any other Arsenal player.