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FOX Sports ranked Bukayo Saka behind former Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun, and Declan Rice did not even make their 26-man list for players who will define the World Cup.
Saka and Rice have been two of the best players in Europe this season and could play key roles in helping the Gunners achieve a historic season.
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The duo, especially Rice, are then expected to have a big impact at this summer’s World Cup, but the US media company seems to disagree.
The North London club have several stars who could make huge impacts at the tournament, yet only one of their players has been listed in the top 26.
FOX Media have ranked Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka as the 25th player who will define this summer’s FIFA World Cup in North America.
The Arsenal attacker comes in behind the likes of Chris Richards, Sadio Mane, Son Heung-min, Christian Pulisic and most notably Folarin Balogun.
The former Arsenal academy player is expected to lead the line for the host nation at this summer’s tournament as he continues to make waves at AS Monaco.
Balogun is having a great season at Monaco, having netted 15 goals in 36 appearances for the French club this season and has proved he is still a top striker.
But to rank him ahead of Saka is surely not the right call, given the Arsenal star’s status in world football following another top season.
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Given the reason for Saka’s ranking, Kevin Wildes told FOX: “Saka, only 24-years-old and already in his second World Cup, scoring three goals for England in 2022. One of the best passers in the world.”
Balogun was ranked just ahead of Saka in 22nd place, with Wildes saying: “Number 22, headed back to the United States: Flo Balogun, born in Brooklyn.
“First things first, mainstay, you remember when he went on that scoring tear in the Champions League. Five goals in 10 games. In the Copa (America), he had two goals in three games.
“Look, we’re going to have a lot of eyes on Pulisic as our goal scorer. Balogun can put the ball in the back of the net as well. I’m expecting a quality tournament from Flo Balogun.”
But what is even more bizarre is the fact that Declan Rice has not even made the list, despite being a hot contender for the Ballon d’Or.
The Arsenal midfielder has been one of the best players in the world this season and is fully expected to light up this summer’s tournament.
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