TNT Sports pundit Rio Ferdinand believes Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka has to win more trophies and medals like Phil Foden if he wants to be labelled as ‘world-class’.

Since breaking into Manchester City’s first team, Foden has won an incredible 16 major trophies, including 5 Premier Leagues and 1 Champions League title. When asked why he doesn’t believe Saka can be placed in the same bracket as Foden, Ferdinand said:

“You’ve got to understand and respect and appreciate, Phil Foden has done this, where the medals are handed out, he’s performed. He’s done that against the best teams. Consistently.”

“Saka needs the opportunity to perform at that platform, that level, consistently and then we’ll see where he’s at. You can consider him then.”

Ferdinand makes a very good point about the City star

Some may argue that Foden has simply been very lucky to be part of such a successful team but you only have to look at the 23-year-old’s record in the Champions League to see that isn’t the case.

Foden has scored 14 goals and provided 11 assists in 50 appearances in Europe’s premier competition, which is a goal contribution every 2 games. Saka has admittedly impressed in the Champions League as well but he has only played 5 matches at that level.

Both players are in outstanding form

If we ignore the debate about the world-class label, though, you can’t deny that both Foden and Saka have had excellent seasons so far.

While the City star has scored 15 times and provided 10 assists in 36 games, Saka has managed 13 goals and 13 assists in 31 appearances. They are very similar records.

From an England perspective, manager Gareth Southgate is very privileged to have two outstanding talents at his disposal. Barring injury, the pair will be in the squad that flies out to Germany for the European Championships this summer.