Rio Ferdinand highlights three Arsenal stars in Premier League 2024/25 Team of the Season so far

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Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has picked three Arsenal stars in his Team of the Season for 2024/25 so far.

It comes as Arsenal near the halfway stage of the Premier League season, sitting second in the division behind leaders Liverpool.

The Gunners have been far from their fluid best so far in the campaign, with plenty of opportunities missed in big matches.

Mikel Arteta will be working to iron those issues out, with the second half of the season offering a chance to still win the title.

Even with that slow start, Rio Ferdinand has picked out three Arsenal stars as some of the best performers so far.

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Rio Ferdinand names Bukayo Saka, William Saliba and David Raya in Team of the Season so far

With the Premier League season hitting the halfway point, plenty of early conclusions can be drawn about the performances of teams and players so far.

For Arsenal, there will be an overriding feeling of frustration that they could be in a better position than they currently are.

Some individuals aren’t to blame though, as highlighted by the Team of the Season picked by Rio Ferdinand.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, he selected David Raya, William Saliba and Bukayo Saka as part of the side.

The team is also made up of four Liverpool players, three Chelsea stars and one Manchester City ace to make up the 11.

While it shows that Arsenal aren’t necessarily that far off the quality shown elsewhere, there is a concern now that Bukayo Saka is injured.

• READ MORE: Mikel Arteta has already explained Fabio Vieira transfer decision as Arsenal star linked with loan recall

Which Arsenal players need to step up this season

With a few stars showing they have been at the league’s best so far this season, there are still questions about those who need to step up to the plate.

One of those is Gabriel Martinelli, who has yet to show the balance on the left flank that is needed to help the team out.

If he is to start regularly on the right in Saka’s absence, the emphasis on him hitting the heights is doubled in importance.

Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus are also part of that conversation, with the duo needing to find their clinical best.

In midfield there will be more required from Mikel Merino, with the summer signing yet to show his full ability since joining.