As we head into the World Cup, there’s going to be plenty of debates around certain players and who is better than who.
The England team isn’t easy to pick at the moment, and while numerous Arsenal players are likely to be key for England, for some, it’s unclear what their role will be.
Ben White’s place at the World Cup is uncertain, Noni Madueke is unlikely to be a starter, while, after recent months, Bukayo Saka isn’t a nailed on England starter at this point either.
Indeed, Saka has plenty of competition on that right wing from players such as Madueke, Jarrod Bowen, Phil Foden and, perhaps most pertinently, Cole Palmer.
Palmer and Saka have long been compared, and now, speaking on The Residency App, David Raya has picked who he thinks is the better player.
Who will be starting at right wing for England at the 2026 World Cup: Bukayo Saka or Cole Palmer? 👀
David Raya picks Bukayo Saka over Cole Palmer
David Raya has made it clear he believes Bukayo Saka is ahead of Cole Palmer.
Palmer has been outstanding since signing for Chelsea, producing goals and assists at a high level and becoming the focal point of their attack. His form has pushed him into conversations about the best players in the league, with many placing him alongside Saka.
Raya, though, has made his position clear, when asked this question – picking Saka ahead of Palmer.
From an Arsenal perspective, the argument is easy to understand. Saka has been delivering at the highest level for longer, and he has done it in a team competing for major honours. Consistency at that level carries weight.
He is a key part of how Arsenal play, trusted in the biggest moments and relied upon in high-pressure situations. Whether it is scoring, creating, or simply carrying the ball under pressure, he has become one of the most complete wide players in the league.
The two players haven’t had their best seasons this time around, and the numbers from this term make for interesting reading.
| Bukayo Saka | Cole Palmer | |
| Games | 28 | 22 |
| Goals | 6 | 9 |
| Assists | 3 | 1 |
Both players aren’t performing at their best, and, heading into a World Cup, that is a worry for England.
Fingers crossed Saka can rediscover his best form next season, as, at his best, he’s Arsenal’s very best player.
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