Philipp Lahm explained how to block Bukayo Saka – PSG should have listened to his advice

Arsenal suffered a 1–0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final on Tuesday, and Bukayo Saka was largely ineffective throughout the match.

Legendary German defender Philipp Lahm recently described how the key to stopping Saka lies in cutting off his supply of the ball, limiting his touches and forcing him to play with his weaker foot.

He said: "As a former full-back, I always look at the players I would have to play against directly to find a way to stop them – and this year's Champions League has been full of interesting challenges."

"Saka has made a huge step in his development under Mikel Arteta. He plays with such clarity of thought and vision. I think his threat is most pronounced in the final third."

"It sounds obvious, but he always looks to combine with other players and make runs; look at the goal he scored against Real Madrid. Maybe that part of his game is not celebrated enough."

Read too "We are disappointed, but we have a chance for the final", Arteta speaks after the defeat to PSG

"He needs to be isolated. Make sure there are only weak opportunities around him and, as much as possible, keep him on his weaker right foot," Lahm further emphasized.

PSG defender Nuno Mendes seemed to follow this plan perfectly, neutralising Saka's threat on the right wing. /Telegraph/