Rio Ferdinand believes that Bruno Fernandes has had a better season on an individual level than Declan Rice at Arsenal.
Last week, Fernandes was named the FWA Footballer of the Year, winning the award ahead of Rice and Erling Haaland.
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Fernandes has been pivotal towards United’s change in fortunes and is close to breaking Thierry Henry’s assist record for a single season.
However, given everything Rice has done this season for the team, sitting top of the Premier League table, it’s a debate which has caused much discussion.
Rio Ferdinand picks Bruno Fernandes over Declan Rice
Rio Ferdinand is in total agreement that Bruno Fernandes rightfully won the FWA award over Declan Rice at Arsenal this season.
The former Manchester United defender believes that the Portuguese midfielder’s stats speak for themselves, with 19 assists and 120 chances created.
When asked whether Fernandes deserved the award, Ferdinand told his YouTube channel: “Absolutely, I think you’ve got to respect what Declan Rice has done. I think he’s been the driving force behind Arsenal this year. I think he’s been magnificent.
“But I think that the swing that Man United have had has been largely down to Bruno Fernandes, 120 chances created. Dominik Szoboszlai is behind him. The next one on 65 chances, right? Created. That is a massive double.
“I think if you’re talking about individualism and individual performances through the year, I think Bruno Fernandes deserves it.
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Ferdinand has total respect for what Mikel Arteta’s players are doing this season; however, they have been brilliant as a collective, whereas Fernandes has been the driving force behind United’s success.
“That’s not to discredit those other guys; they’re going to go on to achieve some great things this year. I think they’ll win the league, and they’ve got a chance to win the Champions League,” added the former Premier League star.
“Yes, that’s great again, but we’re talking about an individual performance here, an individual’s performance throughout the year.
“I think collectively Arsenal have been fantastic. But I think if you’re talking about individualism and individual performances through the year, I think Bruno Fernandes deserves it.”
The PFA and Premier League Player of the Year awards are still up for grabs, and Rice will be hoping to win one of them over the coming weeks.
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