"You've just got to say it how it is..." - Tottenham legend can't help but praise "special" Arsenal player

Former Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe believes Arsenal star Bukayo Saka is a better player than Phil Foden.

Saka, 21, and Foden, 22, have experienced a monumental rise to prominence in the Premier League, becoming an essential part of both their clubs and Gareth Southgate's England team.

Whilst Foden has already got his hands on four Premier League trophies, Saka won the Three Lions' Player of the Year award and is currently spearheading Arsenal's title charge.

When analysing the statistics, there is little to separate the pair. Saka has provided 24 goals and 23 assists in 117 games.

Meanwhile, Foden has 31 goals and 16 assists in 115 games, meaning the pair have exactly 47 goal contributions each.

Saka has been on slightly better form as of late, but both players have netted seven Premier League goals over the term.

Defoe picks Saka over Foden

When asked who was the better player, Defoe, despite his Tottenham allegiance, opted for Saka ahead of Foden.

He told FIVE: "Saka. I think you’ve just got to say it how it is.

"Saka is a special player. And from what I hear he’s one of the nicest boys as well. He’s so good for the changing room.

"I love Foden, he’s a special player. But I just feel like Saka’s got a little bit more."

And Defoe isn't alone in his praise for the Gunners winger.

Ince backs Saka for the Ballon d'Or

Former Manchester United and Liverpool midfielder Paul Ince, who is now in charge of Reading, believes Saka has the potential to win the Ballon d'Or.

"I always say to myself, if Antony is worth £80m+ then imagine if Ryan Giggs was playing - he'd be worth £200million," Ince told Premier League Odds.

"Antony is a very good player but the way Bukayo Saka is playing right now is frightening.

"The penalty miss at the Euros seems to have really spurred him on. Saka is going to be one of the best players in the world.

"Saka is the go-to guy for Arsenal and he will only get better. Without a doubt he will be challenging for Ballon d'Or titles. He can do that in the next two years.

"If the Ballon d'Or was awarded now, he would be in the running because he's been stupendous and long may it continue."

Topics: Arsenal, Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, Manchester City, Jermain Defoe, Mikel Arteta, Premier League, Football, England

Joe Adams

Joe is a Journalist for SPORTbible with a primary focus on football. He has previously covered a number of other sports including boxing, rugby and F1. Wishes he was born left-footed.

@joeadamsjourno