- Rio Ferdinand has claimed Arsenal star Bukayo Saka is not ‘world class’
- The 22-year-old scored 50 Arsenal goals with a brace in the 6-0 win over West Ham
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Rio Ferdinand has insisted that Arsenal star Bukayo Saka is not a world-class talent despite his sparkling performances for north London.
Saka, 22, starred in Arsenal’s recent 6-0 win over West Ham on Sunday afternoon, grabbing a brace after finding the back of the net either side of the break.
In doing so, Saka became the youngest player in over 40 years to score 50 goals for Arsenal and also took his total goals contribution to exactly 100.
Despite the 22-year-old’s impressive performances, former Manchester United centre-back Ferdinand is not convinced the player is ‘world-class’.
Speaking Vibe with FIVE, Ferdinand said: ‘Not yet. Listen, I think Saka has been unreal. I actually think he needs some rest, so many games for a young child.
Rio Ferdinand has insisted that Arsenal star Bukayo Saka is not a world-class talent
However, the ex-Man United defender admitted the Gunners winger was ‘unreal’
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“But I think it’s almost like what is world class? He didn’t do that in the Champions League, did he? I’m talking about the smallest phases,” he said.
“Saka’s top, don’t get me wrong. He’s not world class yet.’
On Sunday afternoon, Saka reached the 50-goal milestone from the penalty spot in 41 minutes before Gabriel and Leandro Trossard made it 4-0 at half-time.
The 22-year-old added a second goal after the restart, with Declan Rice joining in the defeat to his former club by capping off the win with a stunning goal at the London Stadium.
Despite such an emphatic win, Saka reflected after the match that Arsenal could have had more if they had been more clinical.
‘We were four nil up in the first half and could have scored many more, including myself. I think we smelled blood today, we went for the kill.
‘We did very well to score more. I’m very happy to have achieved that (50 Arsenal goals). But I’m not sure I can be happy today.
Saka reached 100 goals for Arsenal after scoring a goal against West Ham
‘I missed a number of chances where I thought I could have scored. It’s a great achievement. I’m proud of that.’
Elsewhere in the match, the Gunners also found the back of the net thanks to William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Leandro Trossard and Declan Rice.
Former Hammer Rice was easily favored of the bunch after smashing a long-range effort into the top corner.
Despite the huge strike, Rice managed a subdued celebration against his former team.