Arsenal star wins World Cup Player of the Round award, he was exceptional

Arsenal star Bukayo Saka has won a World Cup Player of the Round award after his impressive display against Iran.

Saka scored twice in England's 6-2 thrashing of the Iranians on Monday and was subsequently named as the best player of the opening round of the tournament by ranking website WhoScored.

Saka's England teammate Jude Bellingham was also named in the team of the opening round, which was as follows: Thibaut Courtois; Angelo Preciado, Toby Alderweireld, Diego Godin, Jordi Alba; Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham, Adrien Rabiot, Dani Olmo; Antoine Griezmann, Emner Valencia.

Saka: I'm in a good place

Speaking after the win over Iran, Saka said he was full of confidence.

"I feel like I'm in a good place," said the 21-year-old.

"I really feel the love from the fans, from the coaching staff and my team-mates and that's all I need. I feel good and I'm ready to give 100 per cent, I gave that today and I'm ready to do that every time I put the shirt on."

Saka has managed to bounce back from missing a penalty in the Euro 2020 final shootout against Italy and England boss Gareth Southgate has revealed he has spoken with the winger several times about that painful event.

"I've had a couple of long chats with him early in the season," said Southgate.

"He's had great support as well from Mikel [Arteta] and everybody at Arsenal, I think he's felt that from us as well.

"And, of course, he was England player of the year last year, so I think the most important thing he felt was the warmth from the fans.

"I was at Brentford the opening day of last season, where that was really heartwarming to see, the response he got, and that would have helped him to put things into perspective."