Topics: Arsenal, Bukayo Saka, Champions League, Manchester City, Phil Foden, Premier League, Rio Ferdinand, Fan Reactions
Arsenal fans have been left furious with Rio Ferdinand after he claimed that Bukayo Saka is not yet world-class.
Ferdinand was speaking on TNT Sports after Manchester City's 3-1 win over Danish side FC Copenhagen in the Champions League.
Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden all got on the scoresheet as Pep Guardiola's side put themselves in an almost ideal position ahead of the return leg at the Etihad Stadium later this month.
It was Foden's fourth goal in three games, after the 23-year-old scored a hat-trick in a 3-1 win over Brentford last Monday.
Advert
And on TNT Sports, Ferdinand angered Arsenal fans with his comparisons between Foden and Saka, who recently brought up 50 goals in a Gunners shirt.
He said: "I think you've got to be looking at him [Foden] like that [world-class]. For what he does for the team, his importance to the team, with goals, assists and the rhythm of the game, especially this season.
"He's got to be in the conversation, and nearing that at least.
"I don't think [Saka] has done it at the top level, winning trophies at a team like this.
"He's not [in as good a team as City's]. You've got to respect and appreciate that Foden's done this, where the medals are handed out, he's performed. Against the best teams as well, consistently.
"I think Saka is more about, he needs the opportunity to perform at that platform, that level, consistently, and you can consider him then [as world-class]."
Arsenal fans were not happy with Ferdinand's comments, with one writing: "Ruling out Saka cos his team never played the Champions League before is like ruling out Haaland cos Norway never made it to the World Cup."
A second said: "He has performed on that platform. Consistently."
And a third added: "By this logic, Harry Kane isn't world class."
Others though, agreed with Ferdinand: "Saka is a very good player but Foden is the world class bracket now. Saka isn't yet in my opinion."
Another said: "Difference between Saka and Foden is that one has trophies to show for it and the other doesn't."
