Ally McCoist explains why ‘terrific’ Arsenal star is NOT world class

Ally McCoist has made the case for Arsenal star Bukayo Saka not being in the world class bracket… yet.

Saka has been an instrumental figure under Mikel Arteta, playing a key role in Arsenal’s Premier League title challenges over the past two campaigns.

A haul of three goals and seven assists in 10 appearances has continued his fine form this term but the continued rise of Chelsea star Cole Palmer has prompted a debate over whether the Arsenal star should be placed in the world class category.

Former Tottenham midfielder Jamie O’Hara has argued Palmer and Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal are ahead of Saka.

Former Scotland star McCoist also believes Saka is a notch below.

He told talkSPORT: ‘I really like him and I think he is a terrific player. I think [Mohamed] Salah is world class, I think Saka is international class and had potential to head to world class.

‘World class is… there aren’t too many who are world class level. You are talking about up to the level of Messi and Ronaldo and Beckenbauer and Cruyff, that’s world class.

‘So you can’t be throwing that about willy nilly. Do I like Saka? You better believe I do and he is absolutely vital to Arsenal. There is continued improvement in him but I would be reserving the world class just at the moment.’

Alongside McCoist, Jeff Stelling presented the argument that Saka should be considered world class as there is a case for him getting into any starting XI in club football.

‘Does he get in at Man City team? In place of who? Doku isn’t starting,’ McCoist argued.

Stelling suggested Saka would also start in place of Jack Grealish and Savinho, with McCoist not convinced he would displace the Brazilian.

‘Ahead of Savinho? I’m not sure.’

I feel terrible fighting the argument because I really like him. But I’m thinking, where does that put Salah then?’