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

Arsenal star and England winger Bukayo Saka has been told he is ‘not at the level’ 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 at 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 right flank.

The 23-year-old was enjoying another impressive and consistent season before his injury setback and will hope to return to those levels following his return from the treatment room.

Given Saka’s form over the last few years, the Three Lions star is regarded by many as one of the best forwards in the world and a potential Ballon d’Or winner.

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

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

‘He does have the potential to do it. English people get too excited about their players, but sometimes you need to calm down, don’t put too much pressure on the players like Saka.

‘He has to be a champion and win trophies to be on the same level as Vinicius Jr and Mbappe, who have won the Champions League and World Cup.

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

‘Everyone looks into statistics, why don’t we compare their trophies? Vinicius probably deserved the Ballon d’Or at his best, where was ranked 21st, come on.

‘I need to see Saka performing the way he is for a whole season, keeping that same level and he definitely has the potential to do it.’

Arsenal thumped Real Madrid 3-0 in the first leg thanks to two brilliant Declan Rice free-kicks and Mikel Merino’s goal.

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

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

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

‘The players have shown they can perform to an incredible level but it’s clear that they have given up in the Premier League, the players haven’t shown the potential of these performances all season.

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

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

Arsenal, set to finish second in the Premier League for a third successive season, will face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League semi-finals if they hold off Real Madrid.

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