Rio Ferdinand has revealed a list of 12 players he considers world-class in football today – but his inclusion of Jude Bellingham has caused some debate.
Certain superstars tend to get mentioned in conversations about the best matches, with both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo dominating in recent years.
But as their careers waned, the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah seemed to usurp them as they worked wonders for their clubs.
Rio Ferdinand has now joined the fierce debate and selected a 12-strong shortlist, although pundit Martin Keown disagrees with one omission.
Speaking during TNT Sports’ coverage of Arsenal’s Champions League round of 16 first leg with Porto, Ferdinand sought to justify his choices.
Erling Haaland is on Rio Ferdinand’s list of 12 world-class football players today
Kylian Mbappé is also included in the list as he continues to impress at Paris Saint-Germain
Ederson, Kyle Walker, Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland of Manchester City made the list, showing the absolute dominance of the treble-winning side.
Also on the list are Mbappé, Salah, Bellingham, Vinicius Jr, Harry Kane, Alisson and Virgil van Dijk – although Ferdinand admits Bellingham could have missed out.
Conversely, Keown believes Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka should have been included.
Reacting to the list, Keown said: ‘I think Bellingham is one of the questions I have. He is in great form, what he is doing at Real Madrid now, but we are looking at Saka.
‘Saka is the best English player of the year. Bellingham has not been considered.”
Ferdinand revealed his selection ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League round of 16 match in Porto
Harry Kane, despite Bayern Munich’s nightmare season, is still on the exclusive list
Ferdinand’s inclusion of Jude Bellingham sparked a debate with fellow pundit Martin Keown
Ferdinand replied: ‘Actually they misunderstood that list a bit. Bellingham is listed just below that list. He’s getting into it.
‘What might stop him from making that list, for me, right now, is time. He will be there. He is in world class form. He just needed that time.
‘Saka has world-class potential, but he hasn’t reached the knockout stages of the Champions League and longevity. That’s the difference.
‘All the other players on that list, you can see they’ve played in prestigious matches and they’re creating those moments.
‘They’ve been doing ridiculous things for a long time.’
