Rio Ferdinand asked if Bukayo Saka is now world-class after Arsenal win

Rio Ferdinand has responded to being asked whether he believes that Bukayo Saka is world-class after the Arsenal star’s display against West Ham United on Sunday.

The Gunners picked up a huge victory in the Premier League title race. And Bukayo Saka played a pivotal role in Mikel Arteta’s men securing the three points.

Saka scored in either half. His first goal came from the penalty spot after he was fouled by Alphonse Areola. And he fired a strike into the bottom corner after the break with West Ham’s defence making things so easy for the visitors.

Rio Ferdinand not sure Bukayo Saka is world-class yet

Saka now has 10 goals and seven assists in the Premier League. That is despite the 22-year-old arguably not finding his best form for much of this campaign

Unsurprisingly, Saka has been receiving plenty of plaudits. But speaking on Vibe with Five, Rio Ferdinand suggested that he still has plenty to prove as he was asked whether the England international can now be called world-class.

“Not yet. Listen, I think Saka’s been unreal. I actually think he needs a bit of a rest, so many games for a young kid. But I think, it’s almost like what is world-class? He hasn’t done it in the Champions League, has he? I’m talking in the nitty-gritty stages,” he said.

“Saka’s top, don’t get me wrong. He’s not world-class yet.”

Saka himself, noted that he was not entirely happy with his performance against West Ham on Sunday. He felt that he should have scored even more goals.

Ferdinand’s point is a valid one. Saka is yet to play in the knockout stages of the Champions League. So it is difficult to put him in that top tier just yet.

However, he has scored three goals and contributed four assists in just five Champions League games so far. So he has definitely made a statement ahead of the next phase.

Saka unquestionably has the potential to be one of the best players in the world. And it would be no surprise to see him reach those levels in the near future.

But there have just been a few hurdles he has not had to clear at this point in his career.