da wazamba： The pundit's words were valid, if a little harsh, but the winger is well on his way to shutting his critics up in the future
da fezbet： It's the question that's been on everyone's lips since Manchester United legend and pundit Rio Ferdinand poked the bear that is Arsenal fans online with his inflammatory comments about their homegrown hero: Is Bukayo Saka world-class?
For what it's worth, Ferdinand has made his stance crystal clear: "Not yet," he said. "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."
But where does the truth lie? The discussion over who is or isn't 'world-class' can be nuanced and exhausting, especially given it isn't something tangible, but GOAL has tried to find Saka's place in the debate by rating his individual attributes…
Getty ImagesGoal-scoring
Considering he is a wide player who is not necessarily relied upon for his scoring ability, it is difficult to understate Saka's honed prowess in front of goal. His tally has been steadily increasing season on season since his first-team breakthrough in 2019-20, and he has already surpassed his total for 2022-23 with three months remaining of the current campaign.
He oozes confidence in front of goal now, producing a host of emphatic finishes worthy of a seasoned marksman, while also showing a knack for popping up at the back post to poach an Inzaghi-esque tap-in. Indeed, he is invaluable to head coach Mikel Arteta and Arsenal, picking up the mantle when the likes of Gabriel Jesus or Gabriel Martinelli haven't been firing.
A remarkable run since the end of January has seen him net seven times in just five league games, becoming the first English player to score in five consecutive Premier League matches for Arsenal since Ian Wright 30 years ago. Esteemed goal-scoring company.
If he continues at this rate, with the likelihood that he will comfortably hit the 20-goal mark across all competitions this season, Saka will surely be among the club's record marksmen come the end of his career – the hallmark of a truly world-class goal-scorer.
Verdict? World-class
AdvertisementGettyTechnique
This is potentially the aspect of Saka's game that sparks so much debate – and indeed there is the question of whether it even matters when all is said and done. However, despite being very, very gifted, Saka is not as easy on the eye as the seamless technique of the likes of Vinicius Jr, Leroy Sane or, of course, Lionel Messi.
But we all know being polished on the ball does not necessarily make you more productive or effective. There are a host of players past and present who are considered world-class despite not possessing balletic, Zinedine Zidane-esque touch and motion, with Mohamed Salah perhaps tantamount among them.
It may count for little statistically, but in the eyes of 'Football Twitter', appearances count for a lot, and that counts against Saka here.
Verdict? Not world-class
GettyCreativity
It is difficult to fault Saka's creativity, with his assist numbers following a similarly upward trajectory to his goals over the years. He is sure to add to the 13 he has at this stage of 2023-24.
He has matched and indeed surpassed some of his illustrious peers in that regard this season, such as Salah and Vinicius, ranking in the 90th percentile for assists per 90 minutes and the 93rd percentile for expected assists (xAG) per 90 minutes in the Premier League
He is adept at cutting inside and combining with the likes of Martin Odegaard and Jesus to devastating effect, playing 60 key passes in the league, while he has made 15 goal-creating actions in his quest to carve out opportunities for his team-mates.
Verdict? World-class
Getty ImagesCrossing
However, the majority of Saka's creative contributions do not come from crosses. Although he has picked up a couple of assists from his deliveries in open play in 2023-24, his approach is usually more direct and aggressive, as he either drives to the byline and pulls back a low pass or exchanges intricate passes with his team-mates.
That is reflected in his statistics; the 22-year-old has a 23 percent cross completion rate in the Premier League, making just 10 successful crosses into the penalty area so far this season – placing him 18th the the top-flight in that metric.
Although he does take corner kicks for the Gunners, his open-play deliveries are perhaps a weapon he could use more to his advantage.
Verdict? Not world-class