Rio Ferdinand: Arsenal ‘built’ for ‘leader’ Bukayo Saka - ‘His consistency is through the roof’

Rio Ferdinand has said that Bukayo Saka could be Arsenal captain "without a shadow of a doubt" but does not need the armband because "he's a leader in the team already." Saka scored from the spot as Arsenal handed Sporting CP their first defeat of the season to reboot their UEFA Champions League campaign. "Let’s not undercut or undervalue the importance of Bukayo Saka," Ferdinand told TNT Sports.

Rio Ferdinand believes "the whole place is built" for superstar winger Bukayo Saka at Arsenal, who "doesn’t need the armband" for his leadership qualities to shine.

Saka grabbed his sixth goal of the season from the penalty spot as Arsenal cruised to a stunning 5-1 victory at Sporting CP on Tuesday.

After the match, which propelled Mikel Arteta’s team into the top eight of the UEFA Champions League table, Ferdinand gave a glowing review of Saka.

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"We’ve talked about, and rightly so, how much this team has missed [Martin] Odegaard. But let’s not undercut or undervalue the importance of Bukayo Saka," Ferdinand told TNT Sports.

"Because he had the armband at the end of the game there, he could be Arsenal captain without a shadow of a doubt. He doesn’t need the armband, he’s a leader in this team already. 

"He leads with his ability to take the ball all the time - under pressure or no pressure - he wants to take the ball and make something happen."

The 23-year-old also registered his ninth assist of the season to set up Kai Havertz, who put Arsenal 2-0 ahead in the early stages.

"His goals return, his goals and assists consistency is through the roof," Ferdinand added on Saka.

"He’s someone who England are really going to have to rely upon in years to come, but here at Arsenal, the whole place is built for him."

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Keown: Saka and Odegaard ‘as good as anything in Europe’

Martin Odegaard returned to the starting 11 in the competition for the first time following a near two-month absence and shone for Arsenal in their thumping win at Sporting.

Martin Keown was full of confidence for the playmaker, who he believes has helped Saka become a better player.

‘Silenced the stadium’ – Saka restores three-goal lead with ‘perfectly taken’ spot kick

Video credit: TNT Sports

"They’re building, aren't they? And they’re certainly building their reputation," the former Gunners defender told TNT Sports.

"We talked about belief, and there were occasions this season when you thought the world was against them a little bit, but they’ve kept that belief. 

"I think Odegaard is a player who has come in and really opened up that creative channel for Saka, and those two in tandem are as good as anything in Europe, on that right-hand side of the pitch. 

"Long may it continue, it’s one performance and one result, but they’ve got to take that forward now. Tonight will be a tremendous boost for their confidence."

Saka: ‘Unbelievable’ Odegaard put ‘big smile on my face’

Players and fans alike were relieved to see the return of Arsenal skipper Odegaard after his ankle injury, following a patchy run of form in the midfielder’s absence.

‘Big smile on my face’ – Saka delighted ‘unbelievable’ Odegaard is back from injury

Video credit: TNT Sports

Even Saka could not hide his excitement, as the England winger feels that he thrives when he lines up alongside the Norwegian in attack.

"He's an unbelievable player," Saka told TNT Sports. "The day he returned, there was a big smile on my face. 

"You can see the chemistry we have. I hope he stays fit for the rest of the season. This is where we belong. We've shown the level we can play at."

On the result at Sporting, Saka added: "We know they haven't lost here this season but we believed in ourselves. Everyone was top, I'm really proud of all the boys today."

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