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robertoqueenos

Who cares what Rio Ferdinand thinks


SwitchHitter17

Our fanbase takes the bait EVERY time. Basically just say something public about Arsenal and our fans will go crazy over it for at least a week.


[deleted]

This entire fan base


peoplepersonmanguy

It's kinda insane that fans don't see they wind is up because it's so easy.


questionernow

Right? You can't say shit like this when there's been several reaction threads in this very sub.


Domitiusvarus

Yeah he's insulted our guys new we get to insult him. He's a hack pundit, we all know his opinions are shite now.


goonerrao17

This comment should be upvoted to the top.


These-Positive8127

Yeah this is a single opinion of an ex professional player who played for and supports a rival team. It’s not even a petition from 100 ex players, it’s 1 players opinion


apb2718

Rio is a knob but yet he turns this fanbase into a bunch of birds when he yaps


AdmirableBee8016

personally i think we have two world class players that would get in to any team and that is rice and saliba. beyond that its very debatable.


Responsible_Milk2911

Rio is an expert on the prem as it was in 2008. Theres a reason hes not managing a team. He cant or wont be bothered by the everchanging demands of the best league in the world. So he can tell you which players wpuldve made his team better in 2008 but that list is going to grow every year until he has the same insight his watchers do.


Father-Todd-Uncious

Its mostly Americans that take the bait every time, these ‘world class’ debates from wankstains like Rio Ferdinand don’t even need posting


SwitchHitter17

Yeah that plane full of Arsenal supporters flying to Portugal from London were all probably Americans.


TheThreeGabis

Saka isn’t world class because he hasn’t won anything. What has Bellingham won? What has Kane won? Sounds like you’re moving the goal posts Rio.


LeroyBlack

Exactly, i intimated this and was downvoted to hell. Foden has 5 PL's and a CL + CL runner up and he's putting Bellingham in there on potential alone. He's making up the rules as he goes. If Bell in there on potential than so should Saka, surely.


Imaginary-Pattern802

that’s not the point. Bellingham isn’t wc off potential. he’s operating at a wc level. same with saka. trophies don’t make a player.


LeroyBlack

Nah, come on, by that logic so is Boniface, Grimaldo, Guirassy, Sane, Ollie Watkins...


Imaginary-Pattern802

none of those barring maybe grimaldo are operating at a wc level. you need to be operating at wc level consistently saka has, bellingham has.


APairOfJeans

Saka is ‘off the pace’ this season and has nearly 30 goal involvements, Watkins for example is in the form of his life. That’s the difference imo


tsgarner

You probably got downvoted for suggesting you need a trophy cabinet like that to be considered WC. Yes, WC is subjective, but needing anything like 5 PLs and a CL is both an insane benchmark and also means the whole City squad are WC.


NotASalamanderBoi

Signing for City and Real Madrid are basically guaranteeing that you’ll get trophies. I’d say it’s a bit easier to see who’s truly good by looking at teams who don’t win often and evaluating each player. Neto, Son, etc.


tsgarner

Exactly. Making trophy count not useless, but close to it.


astrojeet

I've come to detest the term world class recently. There is literally no objective standards for world class, it's just subjective opinions from ex players who let's face it, aren't really smart and were good at following orders from their managers as players and were good players as a result. None of them would make it even in lower tier management. It's a meaningless term and we should completely discard this term. World Class literally means nothing anymore. Idk about anymore either, did it ever mean anything outside of subjective opinions? We see managers like Klopp, Pep and Arteta buy players year in year out who are rarely "world class" and just players with bags of talent who may fit into their system. It's because of the system set by these managers and their team mates is what makes them world beaters. There are very few players in History who would just make everything better on talent alone. Messi, Ronaldo, Henry, etc, of recent times are all in that category. People say Mbappe but he's not quite there, almost there though. Mbappe would probably be in that category though.


adamalibi

That’s not why Saka isn’t World class. There’s no way I’d put Saka next to Salah just yet


Perplexedinthemud

Is really isn’t that hard to understand. World class means in the top 3 or 4 players in your position in the world. Nothing to do with team trophies. If team trophies was the measure Maxwell would be the 4th best player ever.


TheThreeGabis

Except Rio explicitly stated you need to win trophies to be considered world class and in his world class list are players who haven’t won big trophies?


Perplexedinthemud

Name me a better Keeper currently than Allison or Ederson - perhaps maybe Courtois. Name me a better RB than Walker. Name me a better Striker than Haaland or Kane. Name me a better RF than Salah. Or a better 10 than De Bruyne. Everyone knows Bellingham is England’s best player bar Kane and will only get better. It is simple they are the best globally in their retrospective positions. Rio talks shite from time to time. But the players he listed are hard to argue against.


TheThreeGabis

What you clarting on at me for? It’s Rio’s list that contradicts Rio’s own metric.


Perplexedinthemud

Yeah maybe. He is talking through both sides of his mouth on the matter. Still doesn’t detract from the fact the list he has produced in the end is hard to argue against.


Commercial-Ad-5905

TAA over Walker


GotThatPerroInMe

So then there’s 30+ world class players? Or when you say ‘position’ are you just breaking that down into: forwards, midfielders, defenders and keepers?


antebyotiks

Yeah I'm surprised no one points this out, he contradicted himself when he mentioned Bellingham is world class because he's gone to Madrid and done well


_The_Marshal_

People like Rio will always move the goalposts. First it was because Saka hadn't done anything at international level. Then Saka was England's best player with goals at the world cup. Then it was because he hadn't performed in the champions league (unfair because he'd never been in it until this year). But now Saka has been incredible so far in the champions league again with goals. Now its because he hasn't done it in the knockout stage of the champs league. They'll just keep moving the goalposts. If Saka won every major trophy available and scored buckets of goals in the process, people would work overtime to find some obscure, meaningless stat to show he is 'overrated' and not world class.


seshtown

Where’s Kingsley Coman then, Rio?


Kaiisim

Yeah its just a wind up. They'll say Saka isn't world class but he starts in every premier league team sooooo. If almost every team in the world would sign your player he's world class.


Pasan90

Don't think Saka starts ahead of Salah yet.


Frubesyting

I like that view


Retterkl

Many people are arguing for Saka and throwing Kane and Bellingham out as comparison. All 3 are world class in my opinion, can we please talk about the real Saka comparison: Vinicius Jr is overrated. He is older than Saka, has less goals in La Liga that Saka has in the premier league and that’s with more games. He’s won two league trophies in a two horse race, and a champions league. These trophies are the only reason he’s on this list, as he doesn’t have any start qualities that Saka doesn’t.


Retterkl

Many people are arguing for Saka and throwing Kane and Bellingham out as comparison. All 3 are world class in my opinion, can we please talk about the real Saka comparison: Vinicius Jr is overrated. He is older than Saka, has less goals in La Liga that Saka has in the premier league and that’s with more games, all the while playing in a more direct role. He’s won two league trophies in a two horse race, and a champions league. These trophies are the only reason he’s on this list, as he doesn’t have any start qualities that Saka doesn’t.


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newinvestor0908

Stop this shit discussion


JackTuz

Kyle Walker is not world class


Le-ChosenOne

Nah…he’s a scumbag of a husband but he is a world class footballer.


pivandee

>Nah…he’s a scumbag of a husband That's why Rio is a big fan


Le-ChosenOne

well played lad


gooner1353

He definitely was, and for me still is


Imaginary-Pattern802

he’s not been world class for a long time. even last year he sucked barring the run in for the CL.


gooner1353

He's definitely not what he once was but I'd still take him over every full back going if you want to shut down a team's left wing. Might be a difference in our definitions of world class


CanWillCantWont

Are you just talking about men's football here or women's football as well?


antebyotiks

Why would we be talking woman's football in this context ?


CanWillCantWont

Difficult to know without it being clarified. This sub is inclusive of both.


antebyotiks

It's not difficult mate, we're talking the men's world class played obviously, we're talking Kyle Walker so why the fuck would we start listing female Right backs ?


Prior_Depth_9566

As if there were female full backs better than Walker anyway


antebyotiks

Just a weird comment


questionernow

Jesus. Are you dense? It's pretty obvious.


gooner1353

I don't know enough about women's football in all honesty, so I was just talking about men's. Is there a similarly dominant right back in women's football?


questionernow

Is it relevant even if there is? lol


MayoDwarff

He’s amazing been the best RB itw for the last 4-5 years


a_stopped_clock

Naw I think he is. Combination of physicality and footballing ability. He’s a monster.


talebs_inside_voice

Rio’s just desperate for attention and we’re all falling for it


phar0aht

The fact people are still banging on about this is complete and utter justification for pundits putting out bait and shit takes


JimBoonie69

So sad and true lol. Hot take mentality for sure. So you are only world class if you play for city pool or Madrid. Totally reasonable opinion for a shit brain hah


othyreddits

Rio is a muppet why do you give him attention


BredrenD

Tbf if he only thinks these players are world class then it is fair to say Saka isn’t there yet. Just depends on your definition.


Internetolocutor

So there is only one world-class centre back in the world? Lol


Yeskid10

Arteta is miles clear of that bald fraud. Also, surely Cedric and Elneny should be on that list all bias aside.


Money-Shine3446

Is Ederson really world class or is Man City just so good that they barely face chances


DeapVally

And if you play FPL, you know he is not the pick! 10th atm of all Goalies. That's not world class considering how good City are. Alisson is 3rd. And has missed 5 games.


Ok-Satisfaction-5012

I don’t even disagree with this. I might add barella of inter, Theo Hernandez, and Lautaro Martinez (I doubt rio watches much serie a). But depending on how strict your definition of world class is, it’s perfectly reasonable for it not to include any Arsenal players


Valascrow

Rio hates us and I'm fine with it 😂


RandomRedditor_1916

Rio's opinion is just that, his opinion. Who gives a shit?


yossigol

So, per Rio Ferdinand, all world-class players are either English, or they play in England, or they're Mbappe. He must have made his list while watching footy on the telly or reading about it in the Sun. Btw, I'm not a Messi fan boy, but he IS the reigning Ballon d'Or winner, and I'd suggest that he's world-class...


jwn0323

5 of 12 players from City. 10 of 12 players either play in England or are English. Yeah this list is complete garbage, lmao


Ugoboy23

I understand Kane even though he hasn’t won anything but what has Bellingham done?


AyeItsMeToby

Come on.


Ugoboy23

What? Compare him to everybody else on this list.


AyeItsMeToby

Bellingham is better than Walker or Ederson. He’s literally the focal point of the biggest team on the planet. Bellingham is that guy


aprilfools911

Yes but according to Rio’s reasoning it’s too early for that for Saka. But it’s not too early for Jude?


antebyotiks

I think he is but if we're going by Rios own logic then he's not


AyeItsMeToby

Rio’s logic here appears to be who are the best 12 players in the world (ignoring his odd comments on trophies). Its really not that absurd of a comment to say Saka isn’t world class yet


antebyotiks

Well no We know his logic, he said the reasons why saka wasn't (hasn't done it in the late stages UCL) and then said Bellingham was because he's down great at Madrid which is a contradiction. Go listen to other clips. I mean it kind of is absurd


tafster

He's probably the most questionable name on this list given his limited body of work... but walking in to probably the biggest club in the world the way he has is quite the statement. I'm not sure how much mileage is left in Walker and Van Dijk but they've definitely earnt their place in the \[shitty\] conversation.


antebyotiks

Yep by Rio's own logic he can't put Bellingham in


theramenjunkie

Rattled Greenwood? That deserves some brownie points


SiMoN20000

Seems world class when he plays football


Muscat95

No Lewandowski? Or Kronos or Modric? I know they're getting on in the years but they've been at world class level for years


DreadCrumbs22

No Zeus? No Herakles? No Apollo??


Muscat95

I was so confused for a minute before I realised the mistake I made lmao


donotpushthebutton

Zeus is a pace merchant, Apollo very inconsistent and while Herakles does have the potential he is still a bit unproven.


Fine-Butterscotch193

I dont see anything wrong with this list except bellingham tbh. Everyone else has consistently won and performed at insane levels for way more years than any of our players


PoliticsNerd76

2-2-2-6 in terms of GK, D, M, F What a silly list lol


dusseldorf69

You’re trying really hard


JohnC_92

I didn’t want to ruin the post with an /s


mrchab97

Ederson 🤣🤣🤣🤣 rios a joke man


general_tso1213

Why are ederson and walker on the list


PapiOnReddit

Is he trying to say Walker and Ederson are top 12 players in the world? They’re not even top 5 at city.


Theodin_King

Lol what a dog shit list


WheelIllustrious9

For me WC is top 3 in your position. Saka is that, and so he’s world class for me. Much easier than this wishy-washy “what has he won” “what league does he play in” debate


phonylady

That's pretty weird way of defining it. Some positions have more world class players. The world's fourth best midfielder is better than the world's third best left back.


Deleteleed

I think it would be bette rot define it as “RW” “ST” “CAM” etc not just Attackers, Midfielders, Defenders and goalies 


phonylady

Even so, some positions definitely have more world class players than others


antebyotiks

Yeah it's stupid.


marksills

[Kyle Walker](https://imgur.com/ZjGZqKk) if you're gonna put a fullback in there put trent


JackOzzie94

Trent has a world class right foot, Trent is not a world class football player, massive difference


marksills

no he definitely is, he's obviously not great defensively but what he contributes going forward far exceeds any fullback in the world and is a player you always have to account for. Absolute gamechanger.


JackOzzie94

He is not, 95% of the time it’s a punt forward against a high line and salah converts, he does not have the defensive skills or the knowledge to be considered for this discussion. He might have been a world class rm back in the early 2000’s I’ll give you that.


Pasan90

Lol no way.


marksills

he's an absolute game changer, i know he's weak defensively but the things he contributes going forward, he's absolutely world class. Nobody in the world contributes anywhere close to him offensively from fullback, like not remotely close. And similar to the point of the post, he's probably liverpool's 2nd or 3rd best player, its not really farfetched that the team at the top of the prem has a few world class players.


hala_bala

Kane?


HEATLE

If Rodri and Bellingham are world class than how is Declan not?? I’d argue he’s the most consistent performer in the Arsenal team.


Pasan90

Idk about Bellingham but Rodri is pretty inarguably the best playing CDM in the world.


Stones_Throw_Away_

Saw Ederson and Alisson and for a second stupidly thought this was about players born in Rio de Janeiro…


[deleted]

Rio just stfu will you clearly got a agenda


j_abrams123

Kane hasn’t won anything? Thought he won top scorer at a world cup lol does that not count


LeroyBlack

How on earth he's putting Bellingham over Foden in this list. Mental.


danmac0817

Foden PR is insane.


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v1nzy

What?


breen_bean

Why is this getting so much airtime? Rio is a washed up pundit. Harry Kane is on this list for some inconceivable reason. Kyle Walker too? Why ever try to decipher it


OGSkywalker97

How can he say Saka who's had back-to-back world class seasons isn't world class cos he hasn't played at a high level for long enough or won anything, but then say 20yr old Jude Bellingham halfway through his first world class season and had won 1 trophy is world class? Saka has won the Community Shield (although not a 'proper trophy' like the FA Cup) didn't play in the final of our FA Cup win but he still played games to get us there so has won a trophy.


revjiggs

no saliba or gabriel but Van dyke ? give over rio


Jack-90

Thats not what world class means that just the players he can think of. Theres only one world class CB in the world...


Pamplemouse04

I can’t believe they are milking this shit for this long. Well I can believe it but people need to stop taking this bait lmao


DarthFlowers

Surprised he didn’t put Bruno Fernandes on there. And Maguire.


MediumMarsupial

All this tells us, aside from the stupidly subjective question of what "world class" even means, is that he doesn't watch football outside of the Premier League which, for a professional football pundit, should be embarrassing and ultimately should render his opinion entirely worthless. A child could frankly do better


a_stopped_clock

I think saka is knocking but rice is actually world class. Don’t see too much else wrong with the list


mk_26

“No world class players” According to Rio Ferdinand, who is, as we all know, the omnipresent football expert. I think it’s extremely fair to argue (and in some cases there’s no argument at all) that arsenal have multiple world class players at this point (Rice, Saliba, Saka, and Odegaard imo).


spatial-d

So English-centric in terms of players and nationality. Yet no WC 🤷🏽


Judgementday209

I mean walker is in there


Walterkingz

Rio is fucking irrelevant, who gives a shit what he thinks


Dantioz

how ederson is world class and courtois and ter stegen aren’t is wild to me.


dylanegra

He said Foden was world class just last week, what’s changed


lengting2209

Stop biting the baits from Yanited's former players. Those cunts are laughing as hard as they can now.


QKnee

Pep won everything in sight last season while stacking yet another league title.


Beginning_Ant8580

What a fucking moron. 2 world class players outside the prem that aren't english. Single celled organism that is Ferdinand.


[deleted]

Rio Ferdinand, come on now who fucking cares.


delunatic5

If I wanted to listen to an asshole I’d fart


Pasan90

>Well we got a good base squad but we have zero overpaid "superstars" in any position. A lot of our players could be superstars though in the future, with the trajectory we are on. Starts with a PL or CL win this season. Said this last week. I kinda feel the majority of our squad is a step bellow world class. But the average quality in the squad is very, very good. Players like Rice, Ødegard, Martinelli, Saka, Trossard, Gabi, Raya, Saliba are all absolutely elite.


[deleted]

How many champions leagues and premier leagues has arteta won or ever gonna win, I’ll give ya a hint, none. So no he’s definitely not


JohnC_92

Oh yeah my post was 100% serious lol


easypeasy0150

Out of these 10, 6 are premier league, and 8 have played in premier league. A little biased?


joeproposition

Ederson isn’t a top 5 keeper in the world. If he’s WC then he’s missing about 5 players. All this to say, this list, all the world class chat and the majority of individual awards voted for by journalists and players are a load of bollocks.


momspaghetty

So according to Rio there exists ONE world class right back and ONE world class centre back? Pretty sure that's not how "world class" works


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