See how Bukayo Saka, Arsenal fans react to Rio Ferdinand’s claim he isn’t world-class
Bukayo Saka appeared to respond to Rio Ferdinand’s claim that the Arsenal star isn’t a world-class player. It was a respectful reaction though.
Recently, former Manchester United and England defender Ferdinand received criticism from Arsenal fans after claiming Saka is not world-class, saying: “Not yet. 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.”
On Saturday evening, Saka scored a brilliant solo goal as Arsenal made Premier League history during their emphatic 4-1 win over Newcastle United.
After the match, Saka was interviewed by TNT Sports reporter Jules Breach.
When discussing Saka’s goal, Breach appeared to bring up Ferdinand’s claim, she said: “16 goals now this season, how about that finish as well, some would call it world-class.”
Saka laughed and said: “No comment. I am happy with another goal today and more importantly happy to win.
“I am working hard every day and giving my best. Obviously I have great teammates giving me good passes which helps as well.
“We have been working hard and there is a lot of quality going forward and it is starting to click now – we just need to continue with this [form].”
Saka’s Arsenal teammate Havertz said: “I think it was very important [to win] it was a tough game on Wednesday and we wanted to win today – we did well today.
“It’s always nice to play here [Emirates]. The fans give us so much energy that so important for us – it gives us a big boost. Crucial to win games and we have to put pressure on [Liverpool and Man City] and that is what we will do.”
Arsenal will be back in Premier League action when they take on Sheffield United on 4 March.
How Arsenal fans reacted to Ferdinand
Arsenal fans have been left furious with Rio Ferdinand after he claimed that Bukayo Saka is not yet world-class.
Ferdinand was speaking on TNT Sports after Manchester City’s 3-1 win over Danish side FC Copenhagen in the Champions League.
And on TNT Sports, Ferdinand angered Arsenal fans with his comparisons between Foden and Saka, who recently brought up 50 goals in a Gunners shirt.
He said: “I think you’ve got to be looking at him [Foden] like that [world-class]. For what he does for the team, his importance to the team, with goals, assists and the rhythm of the game, especially this season.
“He’s got to be in the conversation, and nearing that at least.
“I don’t think [Saka] has done it at the top level, winning trophies at a team like this.
“He’s not [in as good a team as City’s]. You’ve got to respect and appreciate that Foden’s done this, where the medals are handed out, he’s performed. Against the best teams as well, consistently.
“I think Saka is more about, he needs the opportunity to perform at that platform, that level, consistently, and you can consider him then [as world-class].”
Arsenal fans were not happy with Ferdinand’s comments, with one writing: “Ruling out Saka cos his team never played the Champions League before is like ruling out Haaland cos Norway never made it to the World Cup.”
A second said: “He has performed on that platform. Consistently.”
And a third added: “By this logic, Harry Kane isn’t world class.”
Others though, agreed with Ferdinand: “Saka is a very good player but Foden is the world class bracket now. Saka isn’t yet in my opinion.”
Another said: “Difference between Saka and Foden is that one has trophies to show for it and the other doesn’t.”
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