Rio Ferdinand has refused to label Bukayo Saka as “world-class” despite becoming the youngest player to score 50 goals for Arsenal since 1978 – insisting he has yet to prove himself in the Champions League.

Saka scored a brace in Sunday’s 5-0 thrashing of Burnley to complete his half-century of strikes for the Gunners, the youngster player to do so since Frank Stapleton in 1978.

In all competitions this term, the 22-year-old has scored 15 goals and provided the 11 assists, helping Arsenal keep pace with both Liverpool and Manchester City in the Premier League title race.

In the aftermath of Saka’s latest landmark, Mikel Arteta was quick to heap praise on Arsenal’s No.7 and labelled his form over the last three seasons as “remarkable”. “His attitude, his quality, what he delivers every week… it’s really difficult to find. That’s why he is so important to us,” added Arteta.

However, Ferdinand insists Saka can only be compared to Europe’s elite operators if he can translate his Premier League form to the Champions League. This season is the first time since 2017 that the Gunners have qualified for the Champions League, allowing the 22-year-old forward his first taste of the competition.

“Not yet,” said Ferdinand on Vibe with FIVE when asked if Saka was “world-class”. “Listen, I think Saka’s been unreal. I actually think he needs a bit of a rest, so many games for a young kid.

“But I think, it’s almost like what is world-class? He hasn’t done it in the Champions League, has he? I’m talking in the nitty-gritty stages. Saka’s top, don’t get me wrong. He’s not world-class yet.”

Arsenal will play FC Porto in the first round of the Champions League later this month. Saka led the Gunners to victory in the group stage with three goals and four assists.