“Amad is capable of everything Saka does, but there are TWO specific qualities he possesses that even Salah has demonstrated.” Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has weighed in on the debate between Bukayo Saka and Amad Diallo, identifying two key areas where Amad stands out.

The discussion surrounding young wingers in the Premier League has captivated football fans worldwide. While Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka has solidified his status as one of the league’s most reliable performers, Manchester United’s Amad Diallo is beginning to emerge as a potential star.

When Liverpool’s defensive stalwart, Virgil van Dijk, was asked to compare the two, his response surprised many.

Van Dijk, a defender who has faced world-class wingers like Mohamed Salah in training and Kylian Mbappé on the international stage, made a bold statement.

While acknowledging Saka’s excellence, he argued that Amad possesses two standout qualities that make him particularly dangerous—qualities that even Salah has displayed at the highest level.

Many fans and pundits were taken aback by Van Dijk’s choice. Given Saka’s consistency and importance to Arsenal, most expected the Dutch defender to favor him. Instead, he highlighted Amad’s unpredictability and flair, traits that defenders find extremely challenging to handle. According to Van Dijk, these attributes make Amad a unique prospect, even in comparison to Saka.

So, what are the two qualities that Van Dijk believes set Amad apart? Firstly, Amad’s ability to change direction at full speed while maintaining close ball control makes him a nightmare for defenders.

This is a skill that Salah has mastered, allowing him to weave through defensive lines effortlessly. Despite limited opportunities at Manchester United, Amad demonstrated this ability during his loan spell at Sunderland, where he frequently outmaneuvered defenders with ease.

The second quality Van Dijk highlighted is Amad’s knack for delivering in crucial moments. While Saka has been instrumental for Arsenal, Amad possesses a natural ability to rise to the occasion under pressure.

This trait mirrors Salah’s capacity to produce match-winning performances when it matters most. Van Dijk believes that Amad, given the right opportunities, could develop into a top-tier winger.

Amad’s journey at Manchester United has been eventful. Signed from Atalanta for a significant fee, he has had loan spells to aid his development, most notably at Sunderland.

In contrast, Saka has swiftly become Arsenal’s key man, playing a crucial role in their title challenge. However, with Erik ten Hag increasingly trusting young players, Amad might be on the verge of a breakthrough season.

Despite Van Dijk’s praise, Saka remains one of the most complete young wingers in football. His consistency, versatility, and goal contributions make him indispensable for Arsenal. While Amad’s unpredictability may unsettle defenders, Saka’s reliability and impact in big matches keep him ahead for now.

Van Dijk’s comparison has sparked debate among fans. Manchester United supporters argue that Amad deserves more first-team opportunities, while Arsenal fans maintain that Saka’s established excellence speaks for itself. Ultimately, both players are on different trajectories, but Amad has the potential to follow a path similar to Salah, who took time to develop before becoming a world-class winger.

As the season unfolds, the true test will be on the pitch. Saka will be expected to lead Arsenal’s charge for trophies, while Amad will aim to secure regular game time and prove he belongs at the top level.

Could a rivalry between the two develop in the future? If Van Dijk’s assessment is accurate, Amad Diallo might soon challenge Saka and even Salah for dominance on the wings.