Iconic former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has now had his say on if Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka can be considered world-class or not.
Bukayo Saka was once again the star of the show for Arsenal as they trashed West Ham United 6-0 on Sunday afternoon.
Saka was hailed for his display against the Hammers. The 22-year-old netted a brace at the London Stadium, taking his career tally of Arsenal goals to beyond 50. He is the youngest player since 1978 to have reached that milestone for the Gunners at such a young age. To date in his career, across 210 senior outings for Arsenal in all competitions, Saka has racked up 51 goals and 49 assists.
It is extraordinary what the 32-cap England international has achieved already in his career. The Hale end academy graduate is a talismanic figure at the Emirates Stadium, and has established himself as one of the most potent attacking forces in the Premier League.
Arsenal legend Thierry Henry is insistent that Saka has already proven his world-class credentials, and should be considered as a player of that elite level.
However, Rio Ferdinand, speaking on his FIVE YouTube platform, has now had his say on the matter. Asked if Saka is indeed world-class, the ex-centre-back said, “not yet, not yet. Listen, I think Saka’s been unreal…But I think, it’s almost like ‘what is world-class?’ He hasn’t done it in the Champions League…Saka’s top, don’t get me wrong, he’s not world-class yet…Salah’s world-class. If you’re talking world-class, he’s got to be sitting around them boys.”
How does Arsenal ace Bukayo Saka compare with Mo Salah?
There is no denying that Mohamed Salah is one of the greats. The Egyptian superstar has long since established his legacy at Liverpool, as he has played a key role in firing the Merseyside outfit to triumphs in the Premier League and the Champions League under Jurgen Klopp.
Of course, Saka has not yet come close to matching the 31-year-old’s achievements in terms of amassing silverware. However, the Arsenal man has not had much of a chance to do so yet, as they are players at the opposite ends of their careers.
In terms of each players’ current level of contribution, though, the stats show that Saka is keeping pace with Salah. Across all competitions so far this season, Salah has scored 18 goals and registered 9 assists. Meanwhile, Saka has racked up 13 goals and 13 assists. If goals and assists are combined then, Salah has only made one more such contribution. Admittedly, the Liverpool man has played a few less games, but it should also be noted that the Reds are only competing at Europa League level when it comes to their continental involvement this season, whereas Mikel Arteta‘s side are in the Champions League and likely to face much sterner opposition in that competition.
Both players are also scoring at the rate that should be expected of them in terms of xG. As per FBRef figures, Saka has notched up 10 Premier League goals this season, from an xG of 10.2. Meanwhile, again as per FBRef, Salah’s 14 top flight strikes have come from an xG of 14.3.
If Salah’s status as a current world-class operator is set in stone, then Saka cannot be deemed to be too far behind.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
