Rio Ferdinand believes that Phil Foden is a world-class player, but Bukayo Saka isn't at that level yet.
Ferdinand made these assertions whilst speaking on TNT Sports UEFA Champions League coverage, claiming that Saka hasn't shown his brilliance at the top level.
Rio Ferdinand was questioned by Laura Woods over the status of Phil Foden in the world-class conversation and the Englishman said:
“I think you’ve got to be looking at him like that. For what he does for the team, he’s important to the team.
“With assists, with goals, with the rhythm of the game, especially this season.
“I think he’s got to be in the conversation or nearing that at least.”
Laura, who is an Arsenal supporter, quickly spoke on a remark made by Ferdinand on his VIBE podcast, where he maintained that Saka cannot be judged to be on the same pedestal.
Laura Woods then asked the English great why Bukayo Saka could not be considered world-class and he said:
“Because I don’t think he’s done it at the top level, winning trophies in a team like this.
“You’ve got to understand and respect and appreciate, Phil Foden has done this, where the medals are handed out, he’s performed.
“He’s done that against the best teams. Consistently.
“Saka needs the opportunity to perform at that platform, that level, consistently, and then we’ll see where he’s at. You can consider him then.”
Bukayo Saka had better numbers compared to Phil Foden in the league this term, having scored 10 goals and 8 assists in 23 appearances for the Gunners.
Foden has also amassed an equal number of appearances as Saka in the Premier League this campaign, scoring 8 goals and providing 7 assists in 23 appearances.
Cumulatively, Bukayo Saka has made 30 appearances for Arsenal this season, netting 13 goals and providing 13 assists.
Phil Foden has made 35 appearances for the Cityzens, scoring 15 goals and providing 10 assists in all competitions this campaign.
The pair have continued to be pitted against each other in recent seasons, obviously due to the level of competition between Manchester City and Arsenal in recent years.
Saka helped the Gunners launch an assault on the league crown last campaign, before ultimately losing the title to Phil Foden's Manchester City.
Anyway, the duo will likely be helping England at the 2024 UEFA European Championships barring any injuries.
Both players have got quality and are relatively young, and it can be said that they are gradually entering their prime.
It will be interesting to see the heights they will reach and the quality they will accentuate and churn out in the coming years.
If they continue to develop greatly and are consistent in displaying their brilliance, then the “world-class” tag will be easily associated with them without anyone raising their eyebrows.
Ferdinand made these assertions whilst speaking on TNT Sports UEFA Champions League coverage, claiming that Saka hasn't shown his brilliance at the top level.
Rio Ferdinand was questioned by Laura Woods over the status of Phil Foden in the world-class conversation and the Englishman said:
“I think you’ve got to be looking at him like that. For what he does for the team, he’s important to the team.
“With assists, with goals, with the rhythm of the game, especially this season.
“I think he’s got to be in the conversation or nearing that at least.”
Laura, who is an Arsenal supporter, quickly spoke on a remark made by Ferdinand on his VIBE podcast, where he maintained that Saka cannot be judged to be on the same pedestal.
Laura Woods then asked the English great why Bukayo Saka could not be considered world-class and he said:
“Because I don’t think he’s done it at the top level, winning trophies in a team like this.
“You’ve got to understand and respect and appreciate, Phil Foden has done this, where the medals are handed out, he’s performed.
“He’s done that against the best teams. Consistently.
“Saka needs the opportunity to perform at that platform, that level, consistently, and then we’ll see where he’s at. You can consider him then.”
Bukayo Saka had better numbers compared to Phil Foden in the league this term, having scored 10 goals and 8 assists in 23 appearances for the Gunners.
Foden has also amassed an equal number of appearances as Saka in the Premier League this campaign, scoring 8 goals and providing 7 assists in 23 appearances.
Cumulatively, Bukayo Saka has made 30 appearances for Arsenal this season, netting 13 goals and providing 13 assists.
Phil Foden has made 35 appearances for the Cityzens, scoring 15 goals and providing 10 assists in all competitions this campaign.
The pair have continued to be pitted against each other in recent seasons, obviously due to the level of competition between Manchester City and Arsenal in recent years.
Saka helped the Gunners launch an assault on the league crown last campaign, before ultimately losing the title to Phil Foden's Manchester City.
Anyway, the duo will likely be helping England at the 2024 UEFA European Championships barring any injuries.
Both players have got quality and are relatively young, and it can be said that they are gradually entering their prime.
It will be interesting to see the heights they will reach and the quality they will accentuate and churn out in the coming years.
If they continue to develop greatly and are consistent in displaying their brilliance, then the “world-class” tag will be easily associated with them without anyone raising their eyebrows.