SUMMARY
- In a recent interview, Rio Ferdinand was asked if Saka is a world-class player.
- Rio while agreed that he is a top player, he denied that Saka is world class.
Bukayo Saka has been a phenomenal performer for Arsenal in the Premier League over the years. Due to his impressive performances for the Gunners in the Premier League, he was further able to cement his position in England’s national squad on the international stage.
In a recent interview former Manchester United player Rio Ferdinand was asked about whether Saka can be termed as world-class or not. Rio replied by stating – “Bukayo Saka is not a world-class player. He hasn’t done it in the Champions League. I’m talking in the knock-out stages. Saka’s top, don’t get me wrong. He just isn’t world-class yet”. The United legend seemed pretty determined in his opinion.
[FIVE] Rio Ferdinand: “Bukayo Saka is not a world-class player. He hasn’t done it in the Champions League. I’m talking in the knock-out stages. Saka’s top, don’t get me wrong. He just isn’t world-class yet.”
byu/MrVISKman insoccer
On knowing it is the first time Bukayo Saka is playing in the Champions League, Rio Ferdinand said – “I have seen people hot up the group stages and never make it to knock-out”. Whatever the veteran player expressed does make certain sense. A player must be consistent throughout the entire campaign of the tournament. However, the fact that Saka’s talent is exceptional can’t be weighed down.
Rio Ferdinand on the comparison between Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden
While talking to TNT Sports regarding Manchester City’s forward player Phil Foden being labeled as a world-class player, Rio Ferdinand expressed – “for what he does for the team is important to the team you know the way with assists, with goals, with the rhythm of the games, especially this season”. “I think he’s gotta be in the conversation and nearing that at least”, the Red Devils legend further stated.
However, the 45-year-old then moved towards his opinion of why Bukayo Saka isn’t world-class just yet. He inflicted – “Because I don’t think he’s done it at the top level winning trophies in a team like this and been and been”. Phil Foden is also one of the most significant talents in Europe’s top-flight soccer. Like Saka, he also represents England on the international stage.
Bukayo Saka’s numbers in the Champions League for Arsenal
Arsenal qualified for the Champions League 2023-2024 by finishing second in the previous Premier League season. They finished just behind reigning champions and close rivals Manchester City. The Gunners have performed decently in the competition so far. One of the main shining lights from Arsenal’s camp has been their star winger Bukayo Saka.
A goal and an assist for UEFA’s POTM, Bukayo Saka ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/ORjWkbVJj4
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) November 8, 2023
The 22-year-old has managed to register three goals and four assists for the London-based club in just five matches of this season’s Champions League. He also became the second player in the club’s history to score and assist in consecutive Champions League appearances at the home ground after the match against Sevilla FC in the group stages.
Saka has also emerged as one of the top scorers for Arsenal in the ongoing Premier League season. The England international has bagged a magnificent tally of 10 goals and eight assists in 23 matches of the league till now. The Gunners fans would hope that he continues to rise the rank, as the club extends their chase towards the Premier League title.