Arsenal star ‘not at the extent’ of Kylian Mbappe or Vinicius Junior | Football

Real Madrid superstars Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior (Picture: Getty)

Arsenal star and England winger Bukayo Saka has been told he’s ‘not at the extent’ of Real Madrid superstars Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior.

Saka tormented the Real Madrid defence in last week’s Champions League quarter-final first-leg on the Emirates Stadium.

It was Saka’s first start in over three months following his lengthy injury lay-off but he showed no signs of rustiness, causing the European champions major problems down the precise flank.

The 23-year-old was having fun with one other impressive and consistent season before his injury setback and can hope to return to those levels following his return from the treatment room.

Given Saka’s form over the previous couple of years, the Three Lions star is regarded by many as the most effective forwards on this planet and a possible Ballon d’Or winner.

Get personalised updates on Arsenal on a regular basis

Get up to search out news in your club in your inbox every morning with Metro’s Football Newsletter.

Enroll to our newsletter after which select your team within the link we’ll send you so we will get football news tailored to you.

Ex-Arsenal defender William Gallas is an admirer of Saka but claims he’s ‘not at the extent’ of Real Madrid forwards Mbappe or Vinicius.

‘Bukayo Saka had an ideal performance after his long injury, but I don’t think he’s on the identical level of Vinicius Junior or Kylian Mbappe yet,’ Gallas told Slingo.

Arsenal FC Training Session And Press Conference - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter Final Second Leg
Bukayo Saka in Arsenal training ahead of their clash with Real Madrid (Picture: Getty)

‘He does have the potential to do it. English people get too enthusiastic about their players, but sometimes it’s essential calm down, don’t put an excessive amount of pressure on the players like Saka.

‘He needs to be a champion and win trophies to be on the identical level as Vinicius Jr and Mbappe, who’ve won the Champions League and World Cup.

‘When Vinicius Junior is in his best form, he’s unstoppable. You’ll be able to’t compare him to Bukayo Saka.

Newcastle United v Arsenal FC - Premier League
Ex-Arsenal defender William Gallas (Picture: Getty)

‘Everyone looks into statistics, why don’t we compare their trophies? Vinicius probably deserved the Ballon d’Or at his best, where was ranked twenty first, come on.

‘I would like to see Saka performing the way in which he’s for a complete season, keeping that very same level and he definitely has the potential to do it.’

Arsenal thumped Real Madrid 3-0 in the primary leg due to two good Declan Rice free-kicks and Mikel Merino’s goal.

Real Madrid CF Training Session And Press Conference - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter Final Second Leg
Real Madrid need to provide a miraculous comeback (Picture: Getty)

‘The words “big game” are too underwhelming for Real Madrid vs Arsenal, it would be massive,’ Gallas said ahead of the second leg.

‘Arsenal don’t have a alternative but to perform at the identical level as last week, I’m very glad for the club, the players and the fans.

‘The result was amazing. But, I’m somewhat bit disenchanted with Arsenal. After that performance against Real Madrid, a world-class performance, they drew 1-1 to Brentford.

‘The players have shown they will perform to an incredible level but it surely’s clear that they’ve given up within the Premier League, the players haven’t shown the potential of those performances all season.

‘With Arsenal, you never know what they will do, they’re not consistent enough. They need to qualify since they’re 3-0 up, there’s no debate.

‘The Bernabeu does produce a special atmosphere to most stadiums though. If anyone can turn around a 3-0 loss, it’s Real Madrid.’

Arsenal, set to complete second within the Premier League for a 3rd successive season, will face Paris Saint-Germain within the Champions League semi-finals in the event that they hold off Real Madrid.

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the newest news on
FacebookTwitter and Instagram
.