Rio Ferdinand now praises Arsenal star for one thing despite previous comments

Add as preferred source on Google

Former Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand caused controversy over recent comments about Bukayo Saka, but he has now praised the winger.

Ferdinand was criticised by Arsenal fans after he claimed that Saka was not ‘world-class,’ despite his incredible performances across all competitions this season.

Saka has hit top form in 2024, having ended 2023 on a slight dip, and he has helped Mikel Arteta’s side reach the top of the Premier League and the Champions League quarter-finals.

The 22-year-old did struggle at times in Arsenal’s victory over Porto, but scored his penalty in the resulting shootout, and this was another example of his resilient mentality.

Rio Ferdinand praises Bukayo Saka’s mentality

Speaking on YouTube channel FIVE, Ferdinand claimed that Saka’s mentality helps him stay consistently good.

“I think Saka, mentally, just looks like he is so, so, focused,” he stated.

“We ain’t seen a blip in Saka yet, that tells me that there’s something behind just the performance.

“There’s something about Saka’s whole make-up. Forget his footballing ability, you could argue one way or the other, but I think his mentality looks like he’s just really, really made out just to be as good a footballer as he can be.”

Is Bukayo Saka world-class?

Ferdinand’s latest comments essentially praise Saka as one of the best players in the world as a result of his mentality.

Given his incredible output, with 16 goals and 15 assists in 37 games across all competitions this season, as well as his performances in big games, it would be bizarre to not label Saka as world-class like Ferdinand did.

Saka has performed consistently for club and country, and at the highest level in the Premier League and Europe.

There are few wingers in Europe who can match Saka’s numbers or performance levels, and if Arsenal do go on to win silverware this season, he will have played a vital part.

The England International’s strong mentality has been a common theme throughout his career. He recovered from a penalty miss during the EURO final to have three consecutive top-class campaigns, and established himself as one of Arsenal’s best players.

With Saka a driving force behind Arsenal’s attack, they have put themselves in with a shot of a first Premier League title in 20 years, and he and the team will have gained experience from their brutal collapse last season.