Rio Ferdinand was full of praise for several Manchester City players after the 3-1 victory over FC Copenhagen.
City returned to Champions League action in emphatic fashion in the first leg of their last 16 tie.
Kevin De Bruyne had a hand in all three goals as he scored the opener and then teed Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden up to secure the win.
It was a domineering performance which left Ferdinand labelling Rodri as phenomenal and Foden as world class.
Foden’s fantastic season continued in the Danish capital as he grabbed his 15th goal of the season in all competitions.
The 23-year-old is in such great form that Ferdinand says he is at the very least approaching world class while Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka has some catching up to do.
Rio Ferdinand says Phil Foden is better than Bukayo Saka
When asked if he thought Foden was world class on TNT Sports, Ferdinand said: “I think you’ve got to be looking at him like that.
“For what he does for the team, he’s important to the team. With assists, with goals, with the rhythm of the game, especially this season. I think he’s got to be in the conversation or nearing that at least.”
It was then pointed out that Saka has more Premier League goals and the same number as assists as Foden, so why isn’t he world class?
“Because I don’t think he’s done it at the top level, winning trophies in a team like this.
“You’ve got to understand and respect and appreciate, Phil Foden has done this, where the medals are handed, out he’s performed. He’s done that against the best teams. Consistently.
“Saka needs the opportunity to perform at that platform, that level, consistently and then we’ll see where he’s at. You can consider him then.”
Rio Ferdinand is right
Saka is a fantastic player. Of that there is no doubt. He’s a thrilling winger who has been able to combine skill and flair with a cutting edge in the final third.
It’s not necessarily that he hasn’t won trophies – his FA Cup and two Community Shields are more than what Harry Kane has, after all – but he hasn’t quite yet performed at the highest level season on season.
Foden, meanwhile, has played an integral role in several successful campaigns and it’s only now when he is taking centre stage is he being considered among the very, very best.
The ‘Stockport Iniesta’ already has 25 goal contributions to his name, one off his best-ever tally, and is now an ever-present in Pep Guardiola’s side.
Foden carried the team when De Bruyne and Erling Haaland were side lined. Now they’re back he’s making magic with them.
If Saka was in the City side – who would say no to that? – maybe he would be in the world class bracket already but for now he’s behind Foden.
Regardless, the future is bright for English football.
