“He should be the leader in that sense” - Rio Ferdinand says Arsenal star who is ‘allowed a day off’ returned to his best during 4-1 win vs Spurs

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has heaped praise on Arsenal star Bukayo Saka after his performance against Tottenham. He said that the Englishman has not been at his best this season, but managed to bring out his best in the North London Derby.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ferdinand claimed that Saka turned up when Arsenal needed him most, which shows that the Englishman is a leader at the club. He added that the winger is allowed to have poor games after his performances for the club in recent seasons and said:

"Saka is allowed a day off because he has been so consistent in the last couple of years. He showed [against Spurs] that no matter what the form is, or even if he's a little bit off his normal output, the North London derby comes and [he's like] 'I've got to turn up'. And that's what a youth product [like him] should be saying. He should be the leader in that sense."

Arsenal are in talks with Saka over a new deal, and manager Mikel Arteta has hinted that the Englishman is bound to stay. He claimed that the winger wants to leave a legacy at the club and said (via GOAL):

"I prefer that word, I think it is confidence. What Bukayo has transmitted to me and the club, and Emeka (Obasi, Saka's agent) as well, is that they want to continue to be here. I think it's a very healthy and powerful relationship. The journey that he has had at the club and what he has become is something we want to maintain."

"I think that is something that is going to leave a legacy at this football club and he needs to fulfill that role. What I'm very aware of is that he wants to continue with us, that he's very happy and that he's in the place that he wants to continue to be and achieve everything that we want to achieve together. When that (a new contract) happens and how it happens, I leave that to Andrea [Berta] and the club to figure it out."

Saka has two years left on his contract at Arsenal and is close to penning a new deal at the club.

Bukayo Saka having a tough start to the season at Arsenal

Bukayo Saka has played 10 matches in the Premier League this season, but is yet to get an assist. He has scored three goals in the league, with his last one coming in the 2-2 draw against Sunderland earlier this month.

The Englishman has two goals in the three UEFA Champions League matches and has scored as many times in the two Carabao Cup matches this season.

Saka finished last season with six goals in nine UEFA Champions League matches and had two assists. He also managed six goals and 10 assists in his 25 Premier League matches.