Rio Ferdinand recently risked the wrath of Arsenal supporters when he proclaimed that Bukayo Saka is yet to reach world-class status.
The Manchester United legend made the comment on his Vibe with Five channel earlier this month, stating that the Gunners winger needs to prove himself on the biggest stages before he can be put in the world-class bracket.
“[He’s] not [world class] yet,” Ferdinand said. “Listen, I think Saka’s been unreal. I actually think he needs a bit of a rest, so many games for a young kid.
“But I think, it’s almost like what is world-class? He hasn’t done it in the Champions League, has he? I’m talking in the nitty-gritty stages. Saka’s top, don’t get me wrong. He’s not world-class yet.”
Ferdinand says Saka is yet to prove himself like Foden
Ferdinand doubled down on those comments a few days later when he was on punditry duty for Manchester City’s Champions League win in Copenhagen.
After declaring that Phil Foden, who has similar goal and assist stats to Saka this season, was world-class, he was pressed on why he doesn’t view Saka in that category.
“I don’t think [Saka is world class] because he hasn’t done it at the top level, winning trophies in a team like this,” Ferdinand explained.
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“He’s not [in as good a team as City]. You’ve got to understand and appreciate that Phil Foden has done this – when the medals are handed out, he’s performed. He’s done that against the best teams as well, consistently.
“Saka is more about, he needs the opportunity and platform to play at that level consistently and then we’ll see where he’s at and we’ll consider him then.”
Ferdinand found himself on the same flight out to Portugal as dozens of Arsenal fans on Monday and they weren’t afraid to make their feelings known to him on the journey, chanting songs about their “world-class” winger.
Rio Ferdinand is on my flight to Porto.He’s currently being serenaded by the travelling Arsenal fans with chants of, “Saka’s world class.”
— gunnerblog (@gunnerblog) February 20, 2024
In good spirits, Ferdinand addressed the fans after the plane had landed, saying: “Guys I just want to say it’s been an absolute pleasure travelling with you Arsenal fans.
“I must say Saka is a fantastic player, just not world class yet, just not world class yet. He will be one day but just not yet.”
🤣🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/OlB5BfIl7w
— Sam (@Sam_AFC21) February 20, 2024
Arsenal resume their Champions League campaign in Porto on Wednesday night, with the last-16 return leg scheduled for March 12.