Rashford vs Saka vs Foden: The English Starboy Trinity

[RedRonaldo]

Foden and Rashford are better in front of goal, even though Rashford has his periods where he cant hit a barn door.
Foden is better supporting the attack. Saka has good assists this season as Arsenal have been very good, but in any other year Foden beats him despite rarely playing in his best position. He is also better at the interlinking play City's forwards specialise in.
Rashford is more direct and better at getting in behind defenders.

For me, Saka is a good player who will be hyped to the hills for a couple of years before coming back down to earth. A bit like Raheem Sterling was.

I think you are seriously underestimating Saka, he is rare type of winger who can do both dribbling, tackling, passing, assisting and shooting equally well, and he is the youngest among the 3.

Here's the stats of this season in PL among the 3 players:

Dribbling
1. Saka 1.7
2. Rashford 1.3
3. Foden 0.8

Key pass
1. Saka 2.2
2..Foden 1.1
3. Rashford 0.8

Tackle
1. Saka 1.3
2. Rashford 0.8
3. Foden 0.6

Assist
1. Saka 8
2. Foden 3
2. Rashford 3

Goal
1. Rashford 14
2. Saka 9
3. Foden 7

 

[ABC of Football]

I think you are seriously underestimating Saka, he is rare type of winger who can do both dribbling, tackling, passing, assisting and shooting equally well, and he is the youngest among the 3.

Here's the stats of this season in PL among the 3 players:

Dribbling
1. Saka 1.7
2. Rashford 1.3
3. Foden 0.8

Key pass
1. Saka 2.2
2..Foden 1.1
3. Rashford 0.8

Tackle
1. Saka 1.3
2. Rashford 0.8
3. Foden 0.6

Assist
1. Saka 8
2. Foden 3
2. Rashford 3

Goal
1. Rashford 14
2. Saka 9
3. Foden 7

To be fair to Saka, he has been great this season. I think Rashford has a bit more to his game to really become one of the worlds best players, but Saka will end up (if he isn't already) a very very good player. He is a player who can do a bit of everything as a winger.

 

[11101]

I think you are seriously underestimating Saka, he is rare type of winger who can do both dribbling, tackling, passing, assisting and shooting equally well, and he is the youngest among the 3.

Here's the stats of this season in PL among the 3 players:

Dribbling
1. Saka 1.7
2. Rashford 1.3
3. Foden 0.8

Key pass
1. Saka 2.2
2..Foden 1.1
3. Rashford 0.8

Tackle
1. Saka 1.3
2. Rashford 0.8
3. Foden 0.6

Assist
1. Saka 8
2. Foden 3
2. Rashford 3

Goal
1. Rashford 14
2. Saka 9
3. Foden 7

I think Saka is in a once in a lifetime purple patch along with Arsenal. When they drop off in a year or two, he will end up being thought of as a decent mid table PL winger. Maybe I am wrong but we will have to wait and see.

 

[RedRonaldo]

I think Saka is in a once in a lifetime purple patch along with Arsenal. When they drop off in a year or two, he will end up being thought of as a decent mid table PL winger. Maybe I am wrong but we will have to wait and see.

Well let's just see how it goes over next few seasons. Remember he is only 21 so the "once in a lifting purple patch" doesn't seem really fit to describe him currently, rather I'd think he could keep on improving and become even better player in future.

Anyway to me he is already nearly the best right winger in the world right now. I'd be surprised if he doesn't at least reach Salah's prime level in future.

 

[Valencia Shin Crosses]

Well let's just see how it goes over next few seasons. Remember he is only 21 so the "once in a lifting purple patch" doesn't seem really fit to describe him currently, rather I'd think he could keep on improving and become even better player in future.

Anyway to me he is already nearly the best right winger in the world right now. I'd be surprised if he doesn't at least reach Salah's prime level in future.

Salah's prime level seems a bit high as Salah was a genuine ELITE finisher from the RW. But I agree he's already one of the clear best RW in the world

 

[RedRonaldo]

Salah's prime level seems a bit high as Salah was a genuine ELITE finisher from the RW. But I agree he's already one of the clear best RW in the world

Well he may not reach Salah's peak goalscoring numbers but his overall output (goal+assist) could still get there, and his overall game could be even better. Anyway I know he is super hyped this season, and I am also very much into his hype, but I see what I see and I think he will be great player in future.

 

[eire-red]

Rashford has more of an eye for goal than both, and he can produce those moments of magic that I don't see Saka or Foden do as often.

Unfair to judge them right now as Rashford is in the form of his life and is older, but I would still say 19/20 Rashford was better than both and had 20 or so goals before his season was derailed with that horrible back injury.

Rashford consistently turns up in big games also, his record against the top 6 is ridiculous. Also level for the most injury time winners in PL history by a single player I believe? Overall, I feel he's a more clutch player than either, and Rashford can produce when United aren't playing well. I don't think that's as much the case as the other two.

3 class players though. Saka and Rashford will be right in the mix for POTY I'd expect.

 

[Member 109952]

Saka is the most impressive of the three, has it all.

Foden probably the most 'technically' gifted but not as all rounded and productive as Saka.

Rashford was a striker that plays out wide, given his stints in both positions he's become a very productive scoring forward. Not quite as technical on the ball as the other two but far more lethal.

 

[RunTheTrap]

I think Rashford is the best in front of goal but I think he would struggle the most against a deep block. I feel some of his poor performances have been overlooked because his goalscoring. Foden is going through a rough patch. It’s not fair to judge him imo. Saka is doing very well, and those who are continuing to downplay him are weird. I feel Saka has been underrated his entire career, and I’m not sure why tbh.

 

[RunTheTrap]

I think Saka is in a once in a lifetime purple patch along with Arsenal. When they drop off in a year or two, he will end up being thought of as a decent mid table PL winger. Maybe I am wrong but we will have to wait and see.

This is based on nothing but pure speculation. “Mid table PL winger”. He’s been playing as a winger for 2 seasons now and he’s outperformed several highly rated wingers including: Bowen, Pepe, Sancho, Almiron, Ziyech etc.

 

[Buster15]

Hopefully you will add Sancho to that list.

 

[RedRoach]

Saka is a sensational player and those underrating him are nuts. He is great at almost everything and is a real menace from right wing.

Rashford is having an amazing year and it is a real shame that Southgate will probably continue to under utilize him because he is magic. Also he is a good free kick taker.

Foden is a talented dribbler and passer but lacks any kind of X Factor in front of goal IMO. He also seems weaker to me and more easily knocked off their ball.

 

[charlenefan]

I think Rashford is the best in front of goal but I think he would struggle the most against a deep block. I feel some of his poor performances have been overlooked because his goalscoring. Foden is going through a rough patch. It’s not fair to judge him imo. Saka is doing very well, and those who are continuing to downplay him are weird. I feel Saka has been underrated his entire career, and I’m not sure why tbh.

So the Arsenal fan thinks the Arsenal player is the best of the 3, who saw that coming

 

[RunTheTrap]

So the Arsenal fan thinks the Arsenal player is the best of the 3, who saw that coming

Where did I say Saka was the best? My comment was about the above poster saying: “Saka is on a purple patch and will go back to being mid-table winger”. I wouldn’t even say that about Sancho despite his issues for the past two years. Why? Because the quality is there to see. Same with Saka. Saka has shown top top quality that to call him a mid-table winger is just hating.

 

[JP77]

Well let's just see how it goes over next few seasons. Remember he is only 21 so the "once in a lifting purple patch" doesn't seem really fit to describe him currently, rather I'd think he could keep on improving and become even better player in future.

Anyway to me he is already nearly the best right winger in the world right now. I'd be surprised if he doesn't at least reach Salah's prime level in future.

Let's not be silly. Salah in his prime was scoring over 30 in the league and 10 assists while scoring loads in the Champion's League and every other competition. He's done it consistently for years and at one point was probably as good as any player in the world. Saka is definitely not near that level yet and it'll take something very special for him to ever reach that level.

This is based on nothing but pure speculation. “Mid table PL winger”. He’s been playing as a winger for 2 seasons now and he’s outperformed several highly rated wingers including: Bowen, Pepe, Sancho, Almiron, Ziyech etc.

Highly rated wingers? Bowen? Pepe? Almiron? What people were rating these guys as highly rated wingers exactly mate? You'd be worried for Saka if he wasn't outperforming these guys tbh

 

[Changeisgood]

I don't believe we should be comparing them, also the Salah comparisons do not really work. They all can be in the lineup. For me Foden is the most predictable of the 3, but he is a good player in his own right. I would like to see him make more runs and get in to more scoring positions. I dont think I am being anti Spurs here but I believe Kane should be on the bench. England should be playing Rashford, Saka and Foden. That is a combo that would trouble any defense in the world.

 

[padr81]

I don't believe we should be comparing them, also the Salah comparisons do not really work. They all can be in the lineup. For me Foden is the most predictable of the 3, but he is a good player in his own right. I would like to see him make more runs and get in to more scoring positions. I dont think I am being anti Spurs here but I believe Kane should be on the bench. England should be playing Rashford, Saka and Foden. That is a combo that would trouble any defense in the world.

Kane has to play. For me currently its Rashford, Kane, Saka. If Foden plays it should be as an attacking 8 or a 10 (where Mount plays).

-------------------------------Ramsdale---------------------------- //keeper is pretty changeable
James---------Stones--------------Big H-----------Shaw
-----------------------------------Rice---------------------------------
--------------------Bellingham--Foden------------------------
Saka----------------------------------------------------Rashford
-------------------------------Kane------------------------------------

For me thats how a manager with balls (not Gareth) would play. Its absolutely how Pep would line England up.

 

[giorno]

Why the feck would you have Rashford wide and Foden in the middle...

Also not sure that's good for Bellingham

 

[Samid]

Foden or Saka if you had to choose one?

 

[P-Nut]

Foden or Saka if you had to choose one?

Saka for me, Foden has never really thrived for England, so it's tough to know how he'd do outside of that City set up.

 

[tentan]

Foden no question

 

[Red in STL]

At club level Foden, at international level it's Saka, Rashford is too inconsisteant at either level

 

[amolbhatia50k]

Foden or Saka if you had to choose one?

Obviously Saka. I think Foden might be a bit more talented but Saka is complete. It’s no surprise he’s so far ahead for England.

 

[stepic]

Rashford is so far behind the both of them it’s unreal. Not even worth mentioning in the same breath.

 

[Pickle85]

Saka for me. Foden is brilliant in Pep's setup but it's very questionable, given his performances for England, whether he could be as effective outside of it. Saka strikes me as a player that's much more likely to impose himself on a game, whatever team he plays for.

 

[The Urban Goose]

Sorry, I'm still laughing at the first three words of this thread....

"Three incredible players"

 

[tenpoless]

Three stars none of which would thrive in a caravan club. Im more of a fan of street style footballers and none of them are like that.... its what you would call with good but too formal. Especially foden "oooo look at me I play Pep footie"

 

[Borys]

Three stars none of which would thrive in a caravan club. Im more of a fan of street style footballers and none of them are like that.... its what you would call with good but too formal. Especially foden "oooo look at me I play Pep footie"

Agreed. Street football is the best.
I also have poster of Antony on the wall.

 

[Desert Eagle]

Sorry, I'm still laughing at the first three words of this thread....

"Three incredible players"

Even funnier if you've read my other rashford takes. I was admittedly being a bit of homer during rashfords great run of form last year. I maintain all three are very talented but unfortunately it's clear rashford is a bit or a lot behind the other two. The sad part for united fans is what he could be with the mentality or effort of a Saka.

 

[gajender]

Even funnier if you've read my other rashford takes. I was admittedly being a bit of homer during rashfords great run of form last year. I maintain all three are very talented but unfortunately it's clear rashford is a bit or a lot behind the other two. The sad part for united fans is what he could be with the mentality or effort of a Saka.

Problem with Rashford isn't just about Mentality and Effort , he is lacking in too many areas to be truly elite and our coaching situations hasn't helped the matters at all either .

 

[Desert Eagle]

Problem with Rashford isn't just about Mentality and Effort , he is lacking in too many areas to be truly elite and our coaching situations hasn't helped the matters at all either .

I agree it's not only about those two things. His game intelligence is something I've been very critical of. Like you said though he hasn't been helped by the parasitic setup and coaching situations.

 

[giorno]

Problem with Rashford isn't just about Mentality and Effort , he is lacking in too many areas to be truly elite and our coaching situations hasn't helped the matters at all either .

Disagree. I don't think he's lacking any more than Foden is. Fitness and United being a clown show all these years have been the main stumbling blocks

 

[Patchbeard]

Disagree. I don't think he's lacking any more than Foden is. Fitness and United being a clown show all these years have been the main stumbling blocks

Not sure I agree with this, Rashford has always lacked composure, vision, creativity, all things that are hard to teach and Foden has in abundance. As a Utd fan it's frustrating seeing a player with so much of those potential abilities at City!

Whereas Rashford has always been a sometimes frustrating watch even when he's confident and on form, not to completely shit on his parade as he is also very exciting at those times. The Walcott / Pele analogy from a certain alternative commentator fits him perfectly, updated to Walcott / Bebe this season...

Foden is just a better player in all regards except pace, but it's a bit if a shame for England that both him and Sakas best position is on the right.

 

[DWelbz19]

Disagree. I don't think he's lacking any more than Foden is. Fitness and United being a clown show all these years have been the main stumbling blocks

Agree to an extent, but I think Rashford's main flaw now is the same thing I'd level against Fernandes -- too long in the tooth in playing a certain way. When the state of a match isn't in high octane transition, Rashford has lost a lot of edge and development in the build-up and middle parts of the field. Guess some of this falls under the umbrella of "United being a clown show", but he as a player has also just gone off the deep-end indulging himself in his own on-pitch vices.

 

[giorno]

Not sure I agree with this, Rashford has always lacked composure, vision, creativity, all things that are hard to teach and Foden has in abundance. As a Utd fan it's frustrating seeing a player with so much of those potential abilities at City!

Likewise Foden lacks Rashford's directness, dribbling, ball carrying and scoring instincts. They're different players. Rashford would have been a beast for City, like Sane or Sterling in their time, but probably better

Agree to an extent, but I think Rashford's main flaw now is the same thing I'd level against Fernandes -- too long in the tooth in playing a certain way. When the state of a match isn't in high octane transition, Rashford has lost a lot of edge and development in the build-up and middle parts of the field. Guess some of this falls under the umbrella of "United being a clown show", but he as a player has also just gone off the deep-end indulging himself in his own on-pitch vices.

This is unfortunately a strong possibility

 

[Noot]

Saka for me, Foden has never really thrived for England, so it's tough to know how he'd do outside of that City set up.

Saka is a traditional right winger who cuts inside - Southgate knows that player and knows how to use them.

He's not really sure what to do with a player like Foden, but it seems harsh to let that count against Foden.

 

[tomaldinho1]

Rashford is so far behind the both of them it’s unreal. Not even worth mentioning in the same breath.

He's also 26 versus those two who are 22 and 23. In football terms, that's a big difference and he's a senior player who should be near/at his peak.

 

[P-Nut]

Saka is a traditional right winger who cuts inside - Southgate knows that player and knows how to use them.

He's not really sure what to do with a player like Foden, but it seems harsh to let that count against Foden.

Yeah it probably is harsh, but until either Pep leaves City or Southgate leaves England it's all we can judge on.

 

[Member 109952]

Likewise Foden lacks Rashford's directness, dribbling, ball carrying and scoring instincts. They're different players. Rashford would have been a beast for City, like Sane or Sterling in their time, but probably better

This is unfortunately a strong possibility

I think Rashford does have clear technical limitations. Dribbling wise Sterling and Sane in their City days were far superior to Rashford. Rashford had about a year long spell where his dribbling finally looked like that of a wide player, but for the rest of the time and now he's always looked like a striker playing out wide. He only ever beats players with pace, and if he doesn't have space to run into he will often lose the ball as he's not a technical dribbler based off of strong ball control or body shifts and fients.

Not to disagree with your statements, he is fast and a good finisher and passer, so playing in a City team with a lot of creators would give him high numbers. But I don't think he's of the same calibre technically as some of the other players mentioned in this thread, and he is a reason why we look better as a counter attacking team than one playing against low blocks.

 

[Member 109952]

I was thinking since Foden is likely to start in the Euros, and given that he's never really convinced for England out wide, I'd genuinely consider moving Bellingham back into midfield and playing Foden as the AM.

Something like

Rice - Bellingham
Foden
Saka - Kane - Grealish
​

Quite attacking but Grealish, Foden and Saka do work hard. Tons of ball control and should put most teams to the swords. Of course very unlikely to happen under Southgate.