Is the number 10 role the future for Arsenal's Bukayo Saka?

Bukayo Saka featured in an unfamiliar central role as Mikel Arteta experimented with his attacking setup during Arsenal F.C.’s recent win over Wigan Athletic F.C..

The tactical tweak came after a late disruption in the warm-up, something Arteta has grown accustomed to this season.

When Riccardo Calafiori withdrew before kick-off, it marked the third time a last-minute issue had forced a reshuffle.

Rather than opting for a straightforward replacement as he had earlier in the campaign against Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. and Leeds United F.C., Arteta adjusted his system.

Myles Lewis-Skelly moved to left-back, while Saka, easing his way back from a hip problem, was deployed as a number 10.

The decision was influenced partly by injuries in midfield. Club captain Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz and Mikel Merino were all sidelined, while Ethan Nwaneri is currently on loan at Olympique de Marseille. These absences opened the door for experimentation.

Although Saka is widely regarded as one of the world’s best wingers, this was not his first appearance in a central role.

During the 2020 lockdown season, he operated in midfield against Brighton, hitting the crossbar and assisting Nicolas Pepe. His adaptability has long been one of his strengths.

Operating centrally changes the geometry of a player’s game. From the wing, options are restricted by the touchline; In the middle, Saka can receive and move in all directions. 

Against Wigan, he drifted across attacking midfield, occasionally rotating with Noni Madueke on the right.

One such interchange led to Arsenal’s third goal, created by Saka’s cross after sharp link-up play.

Arteta noted that positioning Saka centrally makes him harder to track.

Instead of hugging the touchline, he arrived into pockets of space, gaining separation from markers and influencing play between the lines.

His strength in tight areas and ability to absorb contact—skills honed on the wing—translated effectively into the congested central zones. He also helped force an own goal from Jack Hunt.

There are tactical risks to attacking through the middle, as turnovers can spark dangerous counter-attacks.

Traditionally, Arsenal have preferred to build around opponents rather than through them.

However, Saka’s composure and ball security provide reassurance in these high-risk areas.

With seven goals and seven assists in 33 appearances this season, Saka’s output has been solid if slightly below expectations.

A more central role could bring him closer to goal and increase his direct impact.

Arteta has hinted the experiment may continue, especially with further fixtures looming, suggesting this could be an important evolution in Arsenal’s attacking approach.