Rio Ferdinand Compares Bukayo Saka to Mohamed Salah After Standout Display Against Chelsea
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has heaped praise on Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka, drawing a striking comparison between the England international and Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah.
Speaking on his Rio Ferdinand Presents YouTube channel following Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea on Sunday, Ferdinand described Saka as “unplayable” when he is in top form.
The Premier League clash at Stamford Bridge saw goals from Mikel Merino and Trevoh Chalobah seal a share of the spoils for both sides.
“When Saka is on it, he looks unplayable,” Ferdinand said.
“He has got the strength like Mohamed Salah. He is small in frame and size when you look at him, but do you ever see him get pushed off the ball?”
Ferdinand added that the Arsenal winger’s ability to maintain possession under pressure is one of his most underrated qualities:
“You don’t really see people take the ball off him or put him on his arse. He is a strong little guy.”
Saka, who continues to be central to Arsenal’s title push, has earned praise throughout the season for his consistency and maturity despite his age.
Opinion: Saka Is Evolving Into Arsenal’s Own Version of a Premier League Icon
Rio Ferdinand’s comparison might raise eyebrows, but it isn’t far-fetched. What Salah represents to Liverpool—a match-winner, a constant threat, a player capable of turning tight games—is increasingly what Saka represents to Arsenal.
Beyond goals and assists, Saka’s ball retention, balance, and relentless work rate set him apart. He rarely gets bullied off the ball, a trait that mirrors Salah’s compact strength and explosiveness despite their modest frames.
But perhaps the most exciting part is this:
Saka is only 23.
Salah’s peak came in his mid-to-late twenties—Saka hasn’t even hit that stride yet.
Arsenal’s title aspirations hinge heavily on his availability and form, and performances like the one against Chelsea show why. If he continues developing at this rate, comparisons to Salah might soon feel less like praise and more like prophecy.
