Former Arsenal captain Tony Adams has claimed that England star Bukayo Saka is the best player in world football apart from World Cup winner Lionel Messi.

Saka, who has been Mikel Arteta’s talisman at the Emirates this season with 22 goal contributions in 28 league appearances, is bidding to clinch Arsenal’s first title in two decades – and is impressing on the international stage as well.

Continuing to impress under England boss Gareth Southgate, the 21-year-old winger netted a glorious goal from outside the box against Ukraine on Sunday, helping the Three Lions remain at the top of their Euro 2024 qualifying group with a 2-0 victory, Mail Online reports.

Arsenal legend Adams can only think of one player in world football better than Saka right now, and he’s long been considered one of the greatest players of all time.

During his column for The Sun, Adams said, “If there’s a better player in world football at the moment, someone who both scores and makes goals, the only one I can think of is Lionel Messi.

“Bukayo is absolutely on fire and the reason Arsenal are top of the table.

“Erling Haaland might be scoring hundreds of goals for Manchester City and Marcus Rashford is also having a phenomenal season for United.

“But Bukayo is, hands down, the Footballer of the Year because he was England’s best player at the World Cup and he’s been the best player for the team eight points clear at the top of the Premier League.”