03 March 2024 , 10:42
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While Bukayo Saka has simply been getting his head down and spearheading Arsenal's title charge, a debate has emerged over whether the 22-year-old is world class.
It started when Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand claimed that he wasn't, citing the fact that Saka is yet to strut his stuff in the latter stages of the Champions League. It was a claim that sparked a fair share of backlash from Arsenal fans keen to leap to the defence of their academy graduate.
The versatile forward has been Mikel Arteta's most lethal marksman so far this term, netting 16 goals and 11 assists across all competitions so far this term. Three of those goals have come in the group stages of the Champions League, but that's not enough to convince Ferdinand just yet.
He told his Five podcast last month: "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 theChampions 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."
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After fans and pundits weighed in on the topic, Gunners boss Arteta has since answered a question on the topic but stopped short of directly declaring whether he thinks Saka is world class or not. Instead, he opted to use it as an opportunity to heap praise on his No. 7.
"Players have moments," Arteta explained. "You can analyse just the attacking stats, the goals or assists and then make a judgement - and that’s it! But his overall play, overall contribution, his numbers and the way he was affecting the game was still high.
HAVE YOUR SAY!Is Saka world class? Comment below
Bukayo Saka has been in fine form for Arsenal this season"Is he now more efficient (than couple of months ago)? The answer is yes. The impact he’s had in the last seven or eight games has been really good. I’m really happy."
If Saka really wants to make Ferdinand eat his words, he knows exactly what he must do - guide the Gunners into the last eight of the Champions League, but it is not going to be easy. Arsenal find themselves 1-0 down after being beaten 1-0 by Porto in the first leg of their round of 16 clash last month.
The return leg is in nine days time, regardless of the fact that Arteta's side remain in the title race, Champions League elimination would represent a huge blemish on the Spaniard's and indeed Saka's CV.
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