Rio Ferdinand claims that Bukayo Saka is not world class. But is that an accurate assessment?

Bukayo Saka has long been considered one of the most promising young players in world football. And after his superb performances this season, he clearly shows that he not only has potential, but is absolutely world class.

Since joining the Arsenal first team at the age of 17 in 2018, Saka has quietly developed and integrated into the culture at the Emirates. He is a beacon of hope during the Gunners’ reform process. Despite Arsenal’s constant ups and downs before Mikel Arteta’s arrival, Saka seemed destined for a leading role.

6 years have passed since his debut at the end of 2024, it is difficult to name wingers who have continuously exploded like Saka, in both club and national team. At just 22 years old, he has played for England 32 times and has more than 100 goals in 210 appearances for the Gunners. That was extraordinary.

The fact that Arsenal is not a force in the Champions League, along with a stumble in the Premier League last season, made Rio Ferdinand doubt Saka’s class. But if you look at individual performances, no one can doubt the talent of the Three Lions star. This season alone, he has scored 13 goals and provided 13 assists in all competitions in just 31 matches. The statistics don’t tell the whole story, but really, he constantly brings joy and excitement to Gunners fans, while at the same time being a nightmare for any defense.

Here are 7 statistics that prove that Saka has reached world class…

– Bukayo Saka has now scored more Premier League goals (6 goals in 5 matches) than any other player in 2024.

– Since the start of last season, Saka is one of only five players to score at least seven goals in the Premier League with both feet, along with Ollie Watkins, Mohamed Salah, Erling Haaland and Son Heung-min (via @ OptaAnalyst).

– Since the beginning of the 2021/22 season, Saka and Salah are the only two players in the Premier League to score more than 40 goals and more than 30 assists.

– After a double to help Arsenal beat Burnley 5-0 at Turf Moor, Saka has now contributed to 18 goals in the Premier League this season. Only 3 players did better than him (via @StatmanDave).

– Only Viktor Gyokeres (188) and Kylian Mbappé (183) have had more touches of the ball in the opponent’s box than Saka (181) in Europe’s top seven leagues.

– Saka became the youngest player (22 years, 159 days) to score 50 goals for Arsenal since Frank Stapleton in 1978. He reached that milestone in his 210th match for the Gunners.

– The double against Burnley was also the first time in his career that the 22-year-old scored in four consecutive appearances in the Premier League.