Speaking on his YouTube channel, Rio Ferdinand has been comparing Arsenal’s squad to Everton’s.
It may sound ridiculous seeing as the Gunners are in the race for the top four, while Everton are in a relegation battle, but Ferdinand believes that there’s a debate to be had about which team has the better squad on paper.
Ferdinand says that Everton have the better attack, while Arsenal’s wide players are superior.
However, there was a bit of a debate about the defence, particularly regarding Gabriel Magalhaes.
Ferdinand claims that he’d have Michael Keane, Ben Godfrey and Mason Holgate over Gabriel.
What’s Ferdinand said?
The pundit gave his view on Arsenal and Everton’s squads.
“It’s an argument. When they’re all fit, I’d take the front two at Everton over the front two at Arsenal. I’d take the two wide players at Arsenal over any Everton wide players, Martinelli and Saka all day long, Emile Smith Rowe as well. Gabriel is debatable, I don’t think he’s better than Godfrey or Holgate, and he’s not more reliable than Keane I wouldn’t say. I’d take the full-backs at Arsenal,” Ferdinand said.
Harsh
Ferdinand knows his stuff when it comes to centre-backs, but this does feel rather harsh on Gabriel.
Ben Godfrey was fantastic last season, but he’s looked off the pace this term. Meanwhile, Mason Holgate has only started seven Premier League games this season.
In terms of reliability and experience, Ferdinand has a point about Keane, but it still feels as though the former Manchester United man is doing Gabriel a disservice.
There’s a reason Arsenal are flying high while Everton are struggling.
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