Jude Bellingham's inclusion questioned by Martin Keown as Rio Ferdinand leaves Bukayo Saka out of list of 12 world-class players

Premier League legends Rio Ferdinand and Martin Keown debated whether England star Jude Bellingham is “world class” anymore.

Fernando faces reaction in progress from Arsenal fans about their Recent comments on Gunners winger Bukayo Saka.

He manchester united icon doesn't believe Saka is “world class,” prompting a broader debate about how to define the term.

To explain before Arsenal's 1-0 defeat against Porto On Wednesday night, Ferdinand insisted there are only 12 active players who fit his definition of “world class.”

They are: Ederson, Kyle Walker, Rodri, Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr, Harry Kane, Alisson, Virgil van Dijk, Kevin De Bruyne, Mohamed Salah, Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland.

But reacting to the list, former Arsenal defender Keown asked why Real Madrid superstar Bellingham deserves a place above Saka.

Keown said: “I think Bellingham is someone I question. He's in incredible form, what he's doing at Real Madrid at the moment, but we look at Saka.

“Saka has been England's Player of the Year. Bellingham hasn't turned up. Maybe Rio is being a little naughty with Arsenal fans.”

Ferdinand later admitted that Bellingham should be in a separate group below the other 11.

He said: “They actually have that list a little wrong. Bellingham was on the list right below it on its own. It's getting there.

Ferdinand's 12 world-class players

Ederson (city of man)

Kyle Walker (Man City)

Rodri (city of man)

Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid)

Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)

Alisson (Liverpool)

Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)

Kevin De Bruyne (Man City)

Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

Kylian Mbappé (Paris Saint-Germain)

Erling Haaland (Man City)

Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)

“What's maybe stopping him from being on that list, for me, at the moment, is time. He'll be there. He's in world-class form. He just needs that time.

“Saka has that world-class potential, but he hasn't been exposed to the Champions League round of 16 and longevity. That's the difference.

“You can see that all the other players on that list have played in prestigious games and are producing those moments.

“They've done ridiculous things over a long period of time.”