Fulham star Andreas Pereira dubs Real Madrid winger – and Brazil team-mate – Rodrygo ‘a BETTER player than Bukayo Saka’… with Cottagers unbeaten against title-chasing Gunners this season

Real Madrid forward Rodryo is a better player than Bukayo Saka, according Fulham star Andreas Pereira. 

The 28-year-old insisted that his Brazil team-mate’s ability to play across the front line is key in distinguishing him from the Arsenal forward. 

Pereira, who came through the Manchester United academy before departing for the Cottagers in 2022 after a series of loans, also presented the 23-year-old’s European Cup win as further justification to his case. 

‘Rodrygo? From Real Madrid you’re talking about?’ Pereira said during a debate on Rio Ferdinand presents FIVE . ‘Nah he’s won the Champions League. 

‘Your opinion is different, I like Saka a lot, he’s an amazing player but for me Rodrygo [is better], he can play all the positions and he’s playing for Real Madrid, one of the biggest clubs in the world right now.’

The 23-year-ol Brazilian was on the scoresheet for Madrid in their 3-3 draw with Man City

Saka has been the more productive of the two this season but he has only goal in his last five games

Of the two, Saka has been the more productive player this season, with 31 goal contributions in all competitions to Rodrygo’s 24. 

The Gunners star enjoyed a purple patch after the winter break when he scored seven goals in just five league games. Since then, however, Saka has managed only one in five outings. 

He managed to get on the scoresheet in Arsenal’s 2-2 Champions League draw with Bayern Munich last week. His crisp finish gave Mikel Arteta’s side an early advantage before they were pegged back to set up a thrilling second-leg in Germany on Wednesday. 

Rodrygo also netted seven days ago in a frenetic 3-3 draw with Manchester City. His goal took his tally in the competition this season to four.

The Brazilian international has made 43 appearances across all competitions this season, with the overwhelming majority coming in the centre forward position. Madrid travel to Manchester in search of a famous win which could set up a semi-final against the Gunners, should they get the better of Thomas Tuchel’s side.

Rodrygo scored two goals in stoppage time to help Madrid advance at the expense of Man City in 2022, before they went on to win the competition against Liverpool

Madrid then take on Barcelona in El Clasico on Sunday and will look to open up an 11-point lead over their arch-rivals.

Arsenal by contrast, are in danger of their season falling apart. The weekend defeat to Aston Villa saw City leapfrog them at the top of the Premier League with only six games left to play.