Arsenal legend Ian Wright has recently referenced modern popular culture to describe one of the most popular players in the Arsenal, and now the England squad – in Bukayo Saka.
The young Englishman has become an overnight sensation in the national team set up, after starting against the Czech Republic in England’s last group stage match of the 2020 European Championship.
Saka impressed the Three Lions’ fans with an inspired performance, as it was his run with the ball that led to England’s first-half winner scored by Raheem Sterling.
The 1-0 win on the night meant that England qualified for the Round of 16 as group winners, but despite a strong overall performance by the team, it was Saka who got most of the accolades in the post-match reaction – especially from former Arsenal player Wright, who voiced his feelings with a Loki reference.
When asked about Saka on ITV’s coverage of the match, Wright addressed the Arsenal academy graduate as “his guy” – and went on to say that everybody at the club knows that Saka is “burdened with glorious purpose.”
The timing of the statement is no coincidence either, as Marvel’s recent television series Loki has been airing all this month – the hugely popular Marvel character and Norse God of Mischief prides himself on being burdened with glorious purpose.
Even the first episode of the 2021 show is named “Glorious Purpose”, and hence the reference caught quite a few eyeballs on social media platforms if not on air.
While the 19-year-old is not manipulative and treacherous like Marvel’s favourite villain, he is still burdened with purpose: Saka has been one of Arsenal’s stand-out performers ever since making his senior debut for the club in 2018.
Saka was named Man of the Match on the night for a performance that hinted at glory ahead – the future England superstar is likely not to, excuse the pun, have a low key career.
Video via ITV
Ian Wright dropping a Loki reference in praise of Saka? Think my Euros has peaked pic.twitter.com/lHGzLRDLEJ
— Adam (@ThreeFiveWho) June 22, 2021
