20 February 2024 , 15:55
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Rio Ferdinand doubled down on his claim that Bukayo Saka is "not world class" after being ambushed by rowdy Arsenal fans.
The Manchester United icon shared a video of him aboard a flight to Porto ahead of the Gunners' Champions League clash with the Portuguese giants. The post was captioned: "Ryanair (sic) Vibes with the Arsenal fans. Yes Saka is top top player but not 'World Class just yet'. Big love @bukayosaka87."
Ferdinand's video showed him being handed the plane's intercom system by one of the cabin crew. In it, he says: "Hello guys, I just want to say it's been an absolute pleasure travelling with you Arsenal fans," which triggered cheers from the Gunners' supporters on board.
He adds: "I must say, Saka is a fantastic player, just not world class yet. He will be, just not yet," which encouraged the Arsenal fans on board to break out into a Saka-themed chant.
Ferdinand's attempt to wind up the Arsenal fans stems from a claim he made last week. He suggested that Saka was not "world-class" despite his electric performances for the Gunners.
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Speaking on the Vibe with Five podcast, he said: "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. Saka's top, don't get me wrong. He's not world-class yet."
Bukayo Saka is in brilliant form for Arsenal (Getty Images)Is Bukayo Saka world class? Share your thoughts in the comments below
One man who is sure to disagree with Ferdinand is former Arsenal forward Thierry Henry. He suggested that Saka is already one of the best wingers in the world.
He said: "You don’t have to win a Premier League title to be world-class. For me, I think he is going in that direction if he isn’t already there. Players that find a way to be effective, no matter what you throw at them. They have to be world-class.
"There is a thought process in what he does all the time. When a player plays with the brain. He is going to be ahead of the game. Before it was 1 v 1. Then it became a 1 v 2, now it’s a 1 v 3. You see the picture and it’s a 1 v 4. So, you need to find a way and I am going to repeat. The brain is a powerful thing and he has one."
Saka, 22, will be aiming to continue his hot form for Arsenal in their Champions League showdown with Porto. He has scored seven goals in his last six Premier League appearances.
That leaves him with 15 goals and 13 assists for the season so far - already better than his total contributions last term as Arsenal pushed Man City for the Premier League crown.
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