Manchester United icon Rio Ferdinand has expressed a strong endorsement of Arsenal’s prospects in the Champions League this season.
He believes that the Gunners possess the capability to advance to the semi-finals or even the final of the competition.
Ferdinand cited some of Arsenal’s standout players, including Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, and Gabriel Martinelli, to support his opinion.
He praised their creativity and goal-scoring prowess, highlighting their contributions to the team’s success.
Ferdinand does believe that the Gunners’ chances of winning their first-ever Champions League title might be ruined by two opponents, though. Even though Arsenal overcame City 1-0 at the Emirates Stadium earlier in the season, they are still Manchester City and Spanish giants Real Madrid.
Speaking to TNT Sports, Ferdinand said: “I think they can go a long way in this tournament. As long as they stay away from Man City and Real Madrid until maybe the semis or finals, I think they can get that far. They’ve got nothing to fear outside those two. [Martin] Odegaard scoring the other day, a couple of goals. [Bukayo] Saka scoring again. Those two creative players can define a match. When they’re in form, add [Gabriel] Martinelli to that, they’re a threat for anyone.”
City, as the reigning champions in Europe’s top competition, and Los Blancos, who have won the Champions League more times than any other club, present formidable challenges. The Gunners would be wise to avoid facing either of these powerhouse teams until the latter stages of the tournament.
Arsenal’s next challenge in this season’s Champions League will be against Porto in the last 16. The first leg is scheduled to take place at the Estádio do Dragão on Wednesday evening.
Erm, yes, if they had a choice it would indeed be wise to avoid ‘powerhouses’. Not sure it works like that, tho