MARTIN KEOWN has revealed that he “would question” whether Jude Bellingham can be considered world class.
The former Arsenal defender, 57, appeared on TNT Sports’ coverage of the Champions League on Wednesday night alongside Rio Ferdinand.
Manchester United legend Ferdinand, 45, recently riled Gunners fans by claiming that Bukayo Saka is NOT world class, but that Phil Foden is.
Covering tonight’s clash between Porto and Arsenal, popular presenter and Gooner Laura Woods asked Ferdinand to compile a list of players he considers to be world class.
The list featured Ederson, Alisson, Kyle Walker, Virgil van Dijk, Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne, Mo Salah, Vinicius Jr, Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane, Erling Haaland and Bellingham, this time missing Foden.
Ferdinand asked fellow pundit Keown if he disagreed with any of his picks.
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Keown replied: “Bellingham would be one I would question.
“Of course, he is an amazing footballer with what he is doing to Real Madrid right now – but Saka has been England Player of the Year the last two years – Bellingham hasn’t got a look in on that.
“He’s still on Rio’s list – maybe he’s being a little bit mischievous.”
In response, Ferdinand explained: “For me, it’s time, I think he is in world-class form, but he needs that time.
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“Saka has got world-class potential, but he hasn’t been exposed to the knockout stages of the Champions League, the longevity which is the difference.
“All of the other players on that list have been in the top most prestigious games and they have produced in those moments.”
Wading into the debate, Ally McCoist added: “The key factor to being world-class is brilliance and trophies but key to it is longevity.
“Guys are capable in their career of having world-class moments or world-class periods.
“At this moment in time, Saka and Bellingham are hopeful of world-class moments and can hopefully be described as world-class at the end of their careers.”
The gang went on to witness Saka and Co lose 1-0 to Porto in their Champions League round of 16 first leg clash.
With the Gunners having failed to break their well organised opponents down, Galeno struck in the 94th minute to hand Porto a precious lead going into the second leg.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
