Rio Ferdinand names trio in ‘next rung’ below Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland

Rio Ferdinand has named the three footballers that are in the chasing pack behind Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland as the best forwards on the planet.

The former Manchester United and England defender has named his top five attacking players in the world – while splitting them into two tiers.

While praising Real Madrid and Brazil star Vinicius Jr, Ferdinand mentioned English youngsters Marcus Rashford of United and Bukayo Saka of Arsenal.

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Speaking of Vinicius on BT Sport, Ferdinand said: "He's on that next rung [below Mbappe and Haaland], isn’t he?

"I think you’ve got him, Rashford I think talking about it, Saka's coming up on the rails.

"But this kid, the difference between him and the ones I’ve just mentioned is that he’s done it on this level – Champions League in knockout football and won the Champions League, and been a big part of why they’ve won.

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"A big part of today’s football is pace – pace kills.

"It scares defenders to death and he’s not only got the pace, he’s got the ability to execute at the top end of the pitch. Brilliant footballer."

With Manchester City star Erling Haaland scoring five goals against RB Leipzig in the Champions League, his tally for the season is now 39 goals from 36 matches.

Rashford is having the best season of his career with United, netting 26 times in all competitions with Erik ten Hag's men tasting Carabao Cup glory.

With Vinicius Jr now a key player under Carlo Ancelotti, he has scored 19 goals so far this season having managed 22 last time out.

Bukayo Saka is also in the best form of his young career with 10 goals and nine assists in the Premier League with Arsenal chasing down the title.

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