‘Definitely’: Rio Ferdinand now says 21-year-old Arsenal man really enhanced his reputation at the World Cup
The World Cup is nearly over, and most of Arsenal’s players have returned to training.
The Premier League restart is two weeks’ away, and Mikel Arteta’s side currently have a five-point lead.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Rio Ferdinand has been singing one Arsenal player’s reputation.
Ten Gunners went to Qatar and only one still remains at the tournament; William Saliba.
However, Saliba has only featured once, coming on as a substitute against Tunisia.
Matt Turner had a great tournament with the United States, and has just returned to training.
Gabriel Martinelli put in some promising cameos for Brazil, while Gabriel Jesus suffered a nasty knee injury.
England’s clash with France last night guaranteed at least one Arsenal player would be in the semi-finals.
Unfortunately for Bukayo Saka and Aaron Ramsdale their World Cup ended, thanks to a heart-breaking 2-1 defeat.
Ferdinand admitted he’d been seriously impressed with Saka in Qatar though, and had seriously enhanced his reputation.
Ferdinand so impressed with Saka’s World Cup performances
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ferdinand said: “I think when you go into a tournament, as a player you want minimum one of two things.
“Firstly, you want to win the tournament, and secondly, you want to come out of this tournament with your reputation enhanced.
“And I think Declan Rice can do that, he didn’t win it, but he enhanced his reputation.
“Jude Bellingham, obviously. Saka, definitely has done the same.”
After Jesus’ injury, Saka’s importance at Arsenal has increased even further at the domestic season nears its resumption.
Jamie Redknapp admitted he was really impressed with Saka’s performance last night, and couldn’t understand why he was substituted.
Saka ended the World Cup as England’s joint top-scorer, adding to the 11 goal involvements he’s had at Arsenal this season.
Arteta will have to decide how much rest Saka now needs before returning to training.
Mikel Arteta may be glad that he now has the luxury of giving Saka a break before the Premier League restarts.
Had England gone any further, Saka’s availability wouldn’t have been guaranteed for their Boxing Day clash with West Ham.
