Rio Ferdinand is a fan of Jadon Sancho’s confidence and style, particularly evident in his performance against Paris Saint-Germain.
Jadon Sancho, the talented winger from Borussia Dortmund, showcased his “swagger” once again according to TNT Sports pundit Rio Ferdinand. Sancho played a crucial role in Dortmund’s 1-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final.
Ferdinand, a former Manchester United player, expressed his delight at seeing the 24-year-old return to top form ahead of Euro 2024. Ferdinand praised Sancho’s ability to outwit top players, describing his performance as “a joke.” He emphasized that Sancho is not just a dribbler, but a well-rounded footballer who contributes to the team’s play and tempo.
Ferdinand also highlighted the return of Sancho’s arrogance and swagger, reminiscent of his early days playing cage football. He admitted that he had been waiting to see this side of Sancho and was pleased to witness it in the Champions League match.
Sancho rose to prominence in 2017 after joining Dortmund from Manchester City. During his four-year stint in Germany, he scored 50 goals in 137 appearances across all competitions. Manchester United signed him for over £70m in 2021, but he struggled to find his footing at Old Trafford. Sancho made only 82 appearances and scored 12 goals before falling out with his manager and being excluded from the first team in September 2023.
Ferdinand questioned why Sancho couldn’t replicate his recent performances during his time at Manchester United. He attributed Sancho’s current success to being in the groove and having confidence. Ferdinand also pondered whether the physicality of the Premier League was a factor in Sancho’s struggles.
Despite the frustrations at Manchester United, Ferdinand acknowledged the value of Sancho’s performance in a Champions League semi-final, which has likely increased his market value. In conclusion, Ferdinand believes that teams will be eager to loan or sign Sancho based on his impressive display in the Champions League. He emphasized the importance of consistency and expressed hope that Sancho can maintain this level of performance in the future.