TNT Sports pundit Rio Ferdinand has named three Liverpool players on his list of “world-class” footballers.

The former Manchester United defender got himself into hot water with Arsenal fans this week after stating that Bukayo Saka has not done enough in his career to warrant the label.

However, Ferdinand has now listed 12 footballers who he believes deserve the tag. Alisson Becker, Virgil van Dijk and Mo Salah were named, along with Manchester City’s Ederson, Kyle Walker, Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland. Real Madrid pair Jude Bellingham & Vinicius Jr as well as Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane and PSG’s Kylian Mbappe were also included. Explaining his decision, Ferdinand said:

“I think it’s easier when you put a list together. I was talking to Owen Hargreaves about it and when you put the list down it becomes easier for me.”

“There you see the guys there: Ederson, Alisson, Kyle Walker, Virgil van Dijk, Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne, and the list goes on. You can see there for yourself.”

You won’t hear any complaints from Liverpool fans

If you were to ask any Reds supporter who they would call “world-class” when assessing players in their squad, Alisson, van Dijk and Salah would be top of the list.

Some would also argue Trent Alexander-Arnold should be included, although his poor form last season doesn’t help his case.

Liverpool could be without two of their “world-class” stars for the Carabao Cup final

It has already been confirmed that Alisson won’t recover from a hamstring injury in time for the game at Wembley on Sunday. Brazil boss Dorival Junior has suggested that the club’s no.1 could be out until the end of March, which would be a major blow for manager Jurgen Klopp.

Things are less clear-cut when it comes to Salah. The winger is believed to have a tight hamstring so a decision will have to be made on whether he is risked against Chelsea.