Rio Ferdinand talked up Bukayo Saka's credentials as a future Arsenal captain after his performance in the 5-1 UEFA Champions League thrashing of Sporting CP.
The winger scored the Gunners' fourth goal in Lisbon as they romped to a 5-1 victory over a team that defeated Manchester City 4-1 in the previous matchday.
Sporting had gone more than a year without a loss on home turf, their 30-match unbeaten run at the Estadio Jose Alvalade stretching back to October 2023, but this was something of a rude awakening for a team adapting to life after coach Ruben Amorim's departure for Manchester United.
Kai Havertz scored in the seventh minute before doubling his tally just before the half-hour mark from Saka's cut-back. Gabriel's towering header from a corner made it 3-0 just prior to the break.
Sporting hit back through Goncalo Inacio early in the second half, but Saka's composed penalty restored Arsenal's three-goal advantage before Leandro Trossard turned in a rebound from Mikel Merino's saved shot.
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Much has been made of the impact of Gunners skipper Martin Odegaard since his return from injury, but former Man United defender Ferdinand said focus on the midfielder should not come at the expense of praise for Saka.
"We've talked about how much this team missed Odegaard, but let's not undercut or undervalue the importance of Bukayo Saka," Ferdinand said on TNT Sports.
"He had the armband at the end of the game there. He could be Arsenal captain, without a shadow of a doubt.
"He's a leader in this team already. He leads the team in his ability to take the ball all the time, under pressure, no pressure — he wants the ball.
"His goals return, goals and assists, consistency is through the roof. England are going to have to rely on him in years to come. Here at Arsenal, the whole place is built for him."
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Saka himself suggested after the match that having Odegaard in the side helps his own game to flourish, saying: "He's an unbelievable player.
"The day he returned, I had a big smile on my face. You can see the chemistry we have, how much I enjoy playing with him. I hope he stays fit for the rest of the season."
Saka now hopes Arsenal can continue in this vein after proving their Champions League credentials with a dominant victory.
"We spoke about it before the game. We know they haven't lost here this season. Everyone was top and I'm really proud of all the boys today," he added.
"This is where we belong. We've shown the level we can play at. We need to continue like this."
