Rio Ferdinand, the legendary Manchester United defender, has singled out Bukayo Saka for exceptional praise, recognizing a rare combination of strength and intelligence in the young Arsenal star. Ferdinand believes Saka possesses an almost uncanny ability to consistently make the correct play, a skill that elevates his game to another level.
The observation comes after Saka’s recent assist – ending a year-long drought in the league – in a fiercely contested derby match. Ferdinand highlighted Saka’s surprising resilience, noting that despite his relatively small stature, opponents struggle to dispossess him, particularly when he shields the ball effectively.
Ferdinand drew a compelling parallel to Mohamed Salah, emphasizing that Saka, like the Liverpool forward, appears remarkably difficult to knock off balance. This physical tenacity, combined with his exceptional decision-making, makes him a uniquely challenging opponent.
Former defender Joleon Lescott’s assessment resonated with Ferdinand: Saka makes the *right* decision, at the *right* time, an astonishing 99% of the time. This includes knowing precisely when to pass, when to shoot, and when to drive at defenders, showcasing a complete understanding of the game’s nuances.
According to Ferdinand, Saka’s potential is immense, and his form could be the key to Arsenal’s success as the season progresses. He believes a fully firing Saka transforms Arsenal into a truly formidable force, capable of achieving significant milestones.
Ferdinand is confident Arsenal will view the derby result as a positive one, even considering the sending-off of an opposing player. He suggests the team would have gladly accepted a draw before the match, acknowledging the difficulty of playing against a team defending with everything they have.
He pointed out the irony of Chelsea actually taking the lead *after* being reduced to ten men, highlighting the challenges of breaking down a deeply entrenched defense. However, he insists this outcome doesn’t diminish Arsenal’s momentum or their impressive recent form.
Ferdinand observed a significant shift in Arsenal’s style of play in recent weeks, moving beyond a reliance on set-pieces to become a team capable of fluid, creative attacking football. This evolution, he believes, is a testament to their growth and tactical flexibility.
Overall, Ferdinand described the past fortnight as “wonderful” for Arsenal, both domestically and in European competition. He believes the team has built significant momentum and a newfound belief in their abilities.
The impact on opposing teams is already noticeable, according to Ferdinand. He suggests that rivals are now approaching matches against Arsenal with a sense of apprehension, preoccupied with how to contain their attacking threat and match their intensity.
Ferdinand believes opponents are now grappling with difficult questions – how to win possession, how to defend against their intricate passing, and how to cope with their set-piece prowess – questions that haven’t been as prominent in recent seasons. This shift in perception, he argues, is a clear indication of Arsenal’s rising stature.
