Bukayo Saka. Photo = Getty Images
Last month, English Premier League (EPL) legend Rio Ferdinand said of Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), “He’s not world class yet.”
At the time, Ferdinand recognized Saka’s skills and potential, but evaluated him firmly. The belief was that the skills that Saka showed in the league had to be displayed in the UEFA Champions League (UCL) to become world class.
Although opinions are divided on this, global football media Goal.com said on the 5th (Korea time), “Ferdinand is right. “Arsenal’s favorite Saka is not world-class yet,” he said, conveying the results of the analysis.
Goal.com analyzed seven abilities, including scoring ability, technique, and creativity, to determine whether Saka’s qualities were top-notch in all areas. And like Ferdinand, Goal.com also concluded that ‘Saka is not world class.’
Bukayo Saka. Photo = Getty Images
The scoring ability that came out first was evaluated as ‘first class’. Saka scored 13 goals and 8 assists in 26 EPL games this season. He is linked with Son Heung-min (Tottenham). However, if you add the 3 UCL goals, he has scored more goals than Son Heung-min this season. Saka has achieved double-digit scoring in the EPL for three consecutive seasons starting from the 2021-22 season.
However, it was assessed that the technique and cross were not the best in the world. Goal.com said, “Although Saka is very talented, his skills are not as prominent as those of Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid) and Leroy Sane (Bayern Munich),” adding, “Most of Saka’s creative contributions are not comes from crosses. “His approach is usually more direct and aggressive.”
Dribbling and creativity were recognized as first class. Saka is great not only scoring goals but also contributing assists. He showed his abilities to the fullest by achieving 10-10 in the EPL last season. However, Goal.com judged that Saka was not among the best in the world in terms of consistency and prestige.
In a total of seven categories, only scoring ability, dribbling, and creativity were recognized as top class, while the other four categories were not recognized. “Saka is not world-class yet,” said Goal.com, adding, “In the current situation, Ferdinand is undoubtedly fine. He pointed out, “It is also fair to say that Saka is on his way to becoming a world-class player.”
Reporter Kim Hee-woong sergio@edaily.co.kr
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