Graeme Souness has launched a sharp criticism of Bukayo Saka, accusing the Arsenal winger of going to ground too readily and using simulation to win free-kicks.
The former Liverpool captain made the comments while appearing on Piers Morgan’s Football Uncensored, despite Saka being regularly subjected to heavy physical treatment and frequent fouling by Premier League defenders.
Graeme Souness criticism of Bukayo Saka
Souness said he believed Saka often falls when he is about to lose possession, arguing that the England international should remain on his feet in a number of challenges.
“Your man Saka dives all over the place. I don’t want to hear about him. The minute he looks like losing possession, he’s down,” Souness said.
He added: “He simulates a foul. Anyone who simulates a foul in my book would be a cheat.”
Souness also claimed that Arsenal players can contribute to referees changing their initial judgement by appealing for fouls after Saka goes down.
“He dives when he should be staying on his feet. He’s not alone. So Saka gets tackled, he screams as he’s going down,” he said.
“The referee thinks there’s nothing in that but wait a minute, he’s stayed down. And then worse than that, everyone in the immediate area – all Arsenal players – put their hands up and scream foul.”
Souness argued that simulation had become one of the defining complaints about modern football, alongside the use of VAR.
“Simulation is a form of cheating, yes. But it’s all over football today,” he said. “If you asked 100 people what is it you dislike about the modern game, 50 per cent would say simulation, another 50 per cent would say VAR.”
The criticism comes as Saka continues to be one of Arsenal’s most important attacking players. He came off the bench against Lille last week, scoring once and creating another goal in a 3-0 Champions League victory.
While Saka may sometimes look for fouls, the winger is also repeatedly targeted by defenders because of the threat he poses in one-on-one situations. The volume of contact he faces has led to the view that Souness’s attack is overly severe.
