Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has been dazzled by one Arsenal star at Euro 2024.
Eleven Arsenal players are currently plying their trade at Euro 2024.
William Saliba has been handed an unexpected starting berth for France in Germany, whilst Jorginho is also a key figure in the middle of the park for Italy.
Arsenal fans have also been impressed by Kai Havertz, as he has been entrusted with the task of leading the line for Germany.
On top of that, the media have taken positives from Declan Rice’s performances for England. However, due to Gareth Southgate’s tactical approach, the Three Lions do not see Rice shine as brightly for them as he does for Arsenal under the guidance of Mikel Arteta.
Bukayo Saka has also been a key player for England at this tournament, and has now earned the praise of Rio Ferdinand.
Rio Ferdinand admits what he really thinks of Arsenal ace Bukayo Saka at Euro 2024
Ferdinand has now underlined the 22-year-old’s importance within the England squad.
Speaking ahead of Thursday evening’s clash with Denmark on the BBC, the former centre-back said: “How can you not like him? You just warm to him. He’s a devastating player & an integral player to this [England] team. He’s one of the first names on the sheet in this team, no doubt.
“In the first game, outside of Jude Bellingham, he was my favourite player to watch. The variation in his play is what really excited me – the ability to go outside, to come inside, the unpredictability in his play & then the class.”
Whilst England were far from their best against the Danes yesterday as they stumbled to a 1-1 draw, many Arsenal fans felt that Saka showed flashes of quality and looked like one of the most dangerous players in the team.
The Hale End academy graduate has earned the right to be considered one of the key players for his country. He so rarely lets England down, and has shown that he can adapt for Southgate’s tactics.
Saka has managed to succeed where Phil Foden has largely failed so far, by translating his club form to the international stage within Southgate’s system. Even when the team as a whole are struggling to click into gear, the Arsenal man always offers something.
Arteta will be hoping that he can continue to impress at the tournament, and above all else avoid picking up any kind of injury.
Arsenal winners and losers at Euro 2024
In this week’s episode, Will Jones and Rahul Lakhani discussed the first few days of the European Championships. With Arsenal players such as Kai Havertz and Kieran Tierney experiencing mixed starts to the tournament, the pair assessed which Gunners were the winners and losers from the group stages so far.
There was some talk about transfers based off the Euros, with Arsenal-linked Amadou Onana’s display for Belgium discussed, whilst Leandro Trossard’s poor performance was analysed, and Bukayo Saka’s sensational England showing lauded.