Wild Bukayo Saka claim stuns ex-Tottenham man as six players named ahead of Arsenal star

Jan 19, 2026 - 17:30

Bukayo Saka is not world-class.

That’s according to talkSPORT host and former West Ham striker Carlton Cole, who found himself in a shouting match with an Arsenal fan as things got heated on the Sports Bar when discussing the Emirates favourite.

Bukayo Saka training for Arsenal — Saka is one of Arsenal’s best players, but does that mean he is a world class talent? This is what was discussed on the Sports Bar

World-class suggests a player could get into the starting XI of the game’s very best sides and Cole thinks there are at least six players ahead of the 24-year-old winger.

Saka has suffered a noticeable dip in form of late relative to what fans have come to expect from him.

The 24-year-old has 77 goals and 77 assists in his career to date for the Gunners.

However, despite being a mainstay in Mikel Arteta’s side since the manager arrived in north London, the English forward scored only four goals in 2025.

This low output, though, didn’t stop Arsenal giving him a new bumper five-year contract at the start of 2026.

However, even with his new deal, he hasn’t managed to get going in the new year. Saka again failed to find the back of the net, as the Gunners beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final 2-3.

Ex-Premier League star Cole said: “He’s going to have to come back more on form and get the goals and get the assists like in yesteryear. But in this season he’s been a bit quiet this year.”

Co-presenter Jamie O’Hara, who both supports Tottenham and used to play for Arsenal’s bitter rivals, wasn’t having it, though, and thinks Saka is in the world-class category of players.

Cole, though, disagreed: “I’m not sure about world-class. I think he’s a good proper Premier League player. Like, someone you can rely on, and Arsenal can rely on him because the system works for him.”

Clearly unhappy about Cole’s claim, Arsenal fan Harry called in to take it up with him: “I cannot believe I had to endure that ten minutes of radio. If you can name me three better Premier League wingers or world wide?”

The West Ham legend responded: “Listen, I love Saka. I think he’s a top player, but I just don’t think he’s world class.”

When later asked to name five players ahead of him in his position, Cole went one better.

Cole wasn’t criticising Saka, but simply saying in his mind the Arsenal star is not a world-class player[/caption]

Real Madrid's Vinicius Junor reacts — Vinicius was one of the players listed by Cole who he feels is ahead of Saka

Mohamed Salah celebrates in a Liverpool shirt — For many years Salah has been one of the best players in the world and Cole still thinks he is among them

He named Liverpool winger Mohamed Salah, Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior, PSG trio Desire Doue, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele, plus Barcelona ace Raphinha as all superior to the England international.

Cole added: “I’m not saying he’s not been class, mate. Listen to what I’m saying. I’m saying, is he world-class? You’re saying he is. It doesn’t mean he’s world-class. It means he’s a very good top Premier League player that puts out the numbers. I’m not saying he’s not brilliant.”

Discussing the potential reasons behind the downturn, Cole suggested newer faces may have played their part.

He explained: “I think he’s finding it, not, I wouldn’t say difficult, but different this season because you’ve got Noni Madueke, he’s got challenges for his spot so if he’s not playing well he’s out the team.

“I don’t think he’s ever had that competition so maybe he’s better with no competition. Some players are different. Some players react differently.”