Bukayo Saka of Arsenal has received praise from Rio Ferdinand, who called the English winger a fearless player who easily handles defenders.
Rio Ferdinand wants Manchester United wingers Jadon Sancho and Antony to take notes from the 21-year-old Arsenal player, who has won the last three games for Mikel Arteta’s team.
Saka scored twice in Arsenal’s win over Liverpool prior to his fortuitous winner against Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League, and he also scored the game-winning goal in their win over Leeds last weekend.
Ferdinand told Vibe: “In this form, you can’t look past Saka in that right wing spot.” I think in an England shirt he does as well.
He’s a winger who when he gets it, I’ve watched him a couple of times live this year as well, his first instinct and intention is to go past you. We spoke to Nani, and he told us that was his intention.
As soon as he got the ball one on one, he was looking to beat the full-back. I love that about him; he’s got no fear; he’s playing with a bit more maturity every time I see him. ”
Manchester United wingers, Antony and Sancho, hardly took on defenders in one-on-one situations and would always look backwards to pass the ball.
They are still struggling to get to grips with the tactical demands of their new manager, Erik ten Hag.
“We don’t seem to have the imagination in those areas,” Ferdinand bemoaned.
“At the moment we get in those positions, unfortunately for us, our wide players are turning away from that. They’re not killing full-backs, they’re not skinning them.
Saka does it at the moment as well as anyone in the league, and says “I’m going to ghost you.”
“At the moment, our wide players aren’t doing that.”