Rio Ferdinand Opts for Manchester City's Foden Over Liverpool's Salah and Arsenal's Saka for Premier Player of the Season

In a revealing insight into his choices for the Premier League Player of the Season, Rio Ferdinand has notably excluded Liverpool's Mohamed Salah and Arsenal's Bukayo Saka from his top selections. Despite their significant contributions to their respective teams, Ferdinand's preference leans towards Manchester City's Phil Foden, pointing to a diverse range of talent dictating this season's title race.

Mohamed Salah, Liverpool's star forward, remained prolific in front of goal until a hamstring injury during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in January curtailed his momentum. Returning briefly in Liverpool's triumph over Brentford, Salah's ongoing muscular issues have seen him sidelined anew. His impressive tally stands at 19 goals and 10 assists in 28 appearances across all competitions. Bukayo Saka, on the other side, has continued to impress for Arsenal, amassing 16 goals and 15 assists, playing pivotal roles in their Premier League aspirations.

Yet, Ferdinand’s spotlight shines on Phil Foden of Manchester City, as revealed in his statements to Manchester Evening News. Praising Foden’s performance, Ferdinand remarked, “I would say yes. He is in that mix, definitely.” He also highlighted Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins as a potential contender, underscoring the competitive nature of this season’s Premier League.

Foden's season statistics further bolster Ferdinand’s claim, with the Manchester City player featuring in 40 matches across competitions, contributing to 18 goals and 10 assists. Ollie Watkins is not far behind, with an impressive 21 goals and 10 assists in 37 appearances for Aston Villa.

In related discourse on the Premier League title race, former Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott commented on Arsenal's position relative to Liverpool and Manchester City. Speaking to Premier League Productions, Lescott emphasized the experience Liverpool and City possess as a defining factor in the title chase. He noted that while Arsenal maintained the league's top spot for an extended period last season, their eventual faltering underscores the challenge of maintaining consistency in face of seasoned competitors.

Lescott's analysis paints a picture of a fiercely contested Premier League season, with Manchester City and Liverpool's experience poised as pivotal in the title race, casting Arsenal as the aspiring challenger. As the season progresses, the unfolding narrative will undoubtedly captivate followers of English football, reflecting the high stakes and competitive zeal characteristic of the league.