Rio Ferdinand has said Manchester United should have signed Ezri Konsa before the defender's £55m move to Arsenal, describing the England international as a 'top player'.
Konsa has made a strong start to his Arsenal career following his summer transfer from Aston Villa. The 29-year-old came straight into Mikel Arteta's team because of William Saliba's injury lay-off and has helped Arsenal win 13 of their 16 games so far this season.
Impressive display against Liverpool
Konsa produced another impressive display on Sunday as Arsenal beat Liverpool 1-0 to secure their first victory at Anfield since 2012.
Ferdinand told his 18-year-old son Tate, a centre-back in the Brighton academy, to watch Konsa against Liverpool, such is his admiration for the player.
The Manchester United legend also wishes his former club had signed Konsa before his move to the reigning Premier League champions.
Saliba's return and Konsa's role
Ferdinand expects Saliba to come straight back into the team once fit but says Konsa could move to right-back, a position he knows well, and rival Jurrien Timber for a place in the side.
'I think William Saliba is one of those guys that you have to find room for in the team,' Ferdinand said on his YouTube channel when asked whether Konsa could keep Saliba out of the Arsenal XI. 'He's that good, he's top.
'I said to my son yesterday, "watch Ezri Konsa", because everything he does is efficient. That's a great problem for Mikel Arteta to have.
'I wouldn't be surprised if Konsa goes back to right-back once Saliba comes back. I wouldn't be surprised because Konsa is top.
'He's a top, top player and another one I thought Manchester United should have got because he's a top player.
'He's giving Mikel Arteta some big decisions to make and big headaches because he's slipped in seamlessly and put in some big performances.
'What a signing he's been for Arsenal.'
