Bukayo Saka refused to be drawn on the “world class” debate surrounding him at the moment, but he earned plenty of praise for another strong display on Saturday.

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 24: Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka of Arsenal celebrate after their teammate Jakub Kiwior of Arsenal (not pictured) scores his team's fourth goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Newcastle United at Emirates Stadium on February 24, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND: Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka of Arsenal celebrate after their teammate Jakub Kiwior of Arsenal (not pictured) scores his team’s fourth goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Newcastle United at Emirates Stadium on February 24, 2024. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Bukayo Saka has found himself at the centre of a debate in the media lately, with Rio Ferdinand claiming the winger isn’t yet world class, much to the frustration of Arsenal fans.

Some of those Gunners supporters baited Ferdinand with chants of “Saka’s world class” on a flight to Porto earlier this week, but the former Manchester United man doubled down on his view.

“I must say, Saka is a fantastic player, just not world class yet,” Ferdinand said in response to the fans.

“He will be one day, but just not yet.”

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LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 24: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team's third goal with teammates during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Newcastle United at Emirates Stadium on February 24, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team’s third goal with teammates during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Newcastle United at Emirates Stadium on February 24, 2024. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Saka’s on-field response to the debate was to score another goal against Newcastle United, bringing him to 28 goals and assists for the current campaign in all competitions.

TNT Sports reporter Jules Breach jokingly referenced Ferdinand’s comments in Saka’s post-match interview, asking him if he’d describe the finish for his goal as “world class”.

“No comment,” Saka laughed. “But I’m happy with another goal today, and most importantly, I’m happy to win.

“I’m working hard every day on the training ground and giving my best and obviously I have great teammates giving me good passes so that helps as well.”

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 24: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team's third goal with teammates during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Newcastle United at Emirates Stadium on February 24, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team’s third goal with teammates during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Newcastle United at Emirates Stadium on February 24, 2024. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

It’s hard for anyone to deny Saka’s quality at the moment, and even Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer couldn’t help gushing about the winger after the game.

“It’s hard not to like this guy, even though he gave Newcastle a terrible time,” Shearer said. “It’s a brilliant finish.

“He is just so likeable, Saka. He works so hard. Great skill and a very, very clever finish. He is a brilliant player.”

After his latest goal, Saka has now beaten his previous best goal tally for a single season (15, 2022/23) as well as matching his best assist tally for a single season (12, 2019/20).

One more assist and this will be his best season on both fronts. You can find the full breakdown below.

Bukayo Saka goals and assists by season

  • 2018/19: 4 appearances, 0 g/a
  • 2019/20: 39 appearances, 16 g/a (4 goals, 12 assists)
  • 2020/21: 46 appearances, 13 g/a (7 goals, 6 assists)
  • 2021/22: 43 appearances, 19 g/a (12 goals, 7 assists)
  • 2022/23: 48 appearances, 26 g/a (15 goals, 11 assists)
  • 2023/24: 34 appearances, 28 g/a (16 goals, 12 assists)
  • Total: 214 appearances, 102 g/a (54 goals, 48 assists)
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