“You can’t be throwing that about” - Ally McCoist shuts down Bukayo Saka ‘world-class’ shouts amid the Arsenal star’s superb form
TV Pundit Ally McCoist has asked for calm from fans around Arsenal star Bukayo Saka. The Scotsman has said that although he rates the English winger, he doesn't consider him 'world-class' yet.
The 23-year-old winger has been one of the first names on Mikel Arteta's teamsheet, playing a key role in Arsenal's ascent in recent seasons.
Last season he scored 20 goals and provided 14 assists in all competitions for the Gunners. He has started this season really well, scoring three goals and supplying seven assists in 10 matches so far.
McCoist analysed Saka's performances for his club alongside former Hale End product and Spurs midfielder Jamie O'Hara on talkSPORT. They compared him to Chelsea star Cole Palmer with both agreeing the former Manchester City attacker is a level above Saka.
Speaking to talkSPORT, McCoist called Saka a potentially world-class player and said that he isn't on Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah's level, who he termed world class, yet.
"I really like him [Saka] 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," the 62-year-old said.
He explained the reasoning behind his comments, saying that he only considers the very best as 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," he said.
McCoist, however, admitted that Saka could reach the promised land and called him "absolutely vital to Arsenal".
"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," the football pundit added.
Saka's performances with his club have made him a regular for England where he plays ahead of Chelsea's Cole Palmer on the right wing. The Arsenal talisman has made 42 appearances for England, scoring 12 times.
McCoist claims Arsenal's Saka won't play ahead of Savinho in Man City's XI
O'Hara and McCoist's colleague, Jeff Stelling, provided a contrarian view on the show. He said that the England international should be called world class, claiming he can get into any starting XI in club football.
McCoist quickly dismissed that claim saying Saka won't get into Man City or Liverpool's starting line-ups.
"Does he get in at Man City team? In place of who? Doku isn’t starting. Ahead of Savinho? I’m not sure," claimed McCoist.
"I feel terrible fighting the argument because I really like him. But I’m thinking, where does that put Salah then?’," he questioned.
Saka is currently on international duty with England as they face Finland and Greece in the UEFA Nations League.