Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Football London
Football London
Sport
Aaron Catterson-Reid

Rio Ferdinand names the one main reason why he rates Arsenal star Bukayo Saka over Riyad Mahrez

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has heaped praise on Arsenal star Bukayo Saka, comparing him to Manchester City's Riyad Mahrez.

Saka has established himself as one of the most exciting talents in the Premier League, netting six goals and providing a further six assists in the league this term. It's that kind of output that has propelled the Gunners to first in the current standings, sitting five points clear of Pep Guardiola's City.

Now, former England international Ferdinand has hailed the 21-year-old's ability, claiming that he would rather face Mahrez than Saka on his FIVE YouTube channel. "If I had to play against one or the other, I'd rather play against Mahrez over Saka, because [of] Saka's pace," Ferdinand said.

READ MORE: Arsenal closing in on Mykhaylo Mudryk 'full agreement' as Edu makes £88m transfer decision

"For me as a defender if I was going to play full back, he'd want to go by you all the time. He's a threat always to go behind you, whereas Mahrez takes little breathers in games.

"Listen, Mahrez is nuts. In terms of take-ons either way, he's one of the most efficient and effective."

It is high praise indeed for Saka considering Mahrez is one of the most accomplished wingers in the country, winning the league title with Leicester back in 2016 before repeating that feat a further three times with the Citizens too. The two talented attackers will face each other at the Etihad Stadium in the fourth round of the FA Cup later this month before battling it out again in the league at the Emirates on February 15.

READ NEXT:

Arsenal player ratings vs Oxford Utd as Nketiah bags brace and Smith Rowe enjoys glowing cameo

Two Arsenal players who could leave in January amid Mykhaylo Mudryk and Joao Felix talks

Man City star Bernardo Silva delivers honest verdict on Arsenal amid FA Cup draw and title race

Mykhaylo Mudryk to Arsenal transfer: Arteta's confidence, Shakhtar teammate claim, Chelsea talks

Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: The latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.