Rio Ferdinand heaps praise on Bukayo Saka following Arsenal's 4-2 win over Brighton

Rio Ferdinand has been full of praise for Arsenal's Bukayo Saka, arguing he is 'young player of the year already'.

The 21-year-old opened the scoring in just the second minute as Arsenal beat Brighton 4-2 on New Year's Eve, sending them seven points clear at the top of the Premier League.

He has now scored six league goals for the Gunners this season and become a vital cog in a team bidding for the title.

For Ferdinand, there is no better player of his age in the country, as he tweeted that 'Saka is PL young player of the year already, hand it to him asap!'

The winger's excellent form this season follows two breakthrough year's under Mikel Arteta that saw him win consecutive club player of the season awards.

He has also become a regular for England and scored seven goals in 24 appearances for the national team.

The former Manchester United defender also felt that the senior player of the season award was also decided, as he added 'give it to Haaland while you're at it!'

Erling Haaland has been electric so far this season, reaching 21 goals in just 15 league games as Manchester City have reached second.

He still has more goals than nine Premier Leagues sides and appears unaffected by his break from football after Norway failed to qualify for the World Cup.

If Ferdinand's predictions are correct, the two players of the season could be in a showdown for the league title.

Saka'a Arsenal are currently in the driving seat, but history suggests they may start to struggle in February, while City tend to find a way to win.