RIO FERDINAND has revealed which 12 players he thinks are world-class.
The Manchester United legend claimed last week that Bukayo Saka is not amongst the elite group of players because he is yet to impress regularly in the big games.
TNT Sports Rio Ferdinand revealed who he thinks are world-class players[/caption]
GettyEvery Arsenal player was snubbed from the list[/caption]
It led to Arsenal fans chanting that their starboy was world-class when they spotted Ferdinand on a Ryanair flight to the Gunner’s Champions League clash with Porto.
Clearing up the debate, the TNT Sports pundit listed 12 players he believes warrant the world-class tag and no Arsenal aces were chosen.
Manchester City stars Ederson, Kyle Walker, Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland all made the cut.
Liverpool trio Alisson, Virgil van Dijk and Mo Salah also got their name mentioned.
Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior, Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe completed the 12.
Martin Keown was unhappy with the selections, saying: “Bellingham would be one I would question.
“Of course, he is an amazing footballer with what he is doing to Real Madrid right now – but Saka has been England player of the year the last two years – Bellingham hasn’t got a look in on that.
“He’s still on Rio’s list – maybe he’s being a little bit mischievous.”
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Ferdinand defended himself, admitting that Bellingham is in a bracket just under the elite.
He continued: “For me, it’s time, I think he is in world-class form, but he needs that time.
“Saka has got world-class potential, but he hasn’t been exposed to the knockout stages of the Champions League, the longevity which is the difference.
“All of the other players on that list have been in the top most prestigious games and they have produced in those moments.”
Ally McCoist added: “The key factor to being world-class is brilliance and trophies but key to it is longevity.
“Guys are capable in their career of having world-class moments or world-class periods.
“At this moment in time, Saka and Bellingham are hopeful of world-class moments and can hopefully be described as world-class at the end of their careers.”
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