According to Metro, Rio Ferdinand expressed his admiration for Jadon Sancho's exceptional performance following Borussia Dortmund's 1-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain, questioning why the forward struggled to reach similar heights at Manchester United.
Sancho emerged as the standout attacking presence in Wednesday's Champions League semi-final first leg at Signal Iduna Park, where Niclas Fullkrug's solitary goal put Dortmund in control ahead of their upcoming clash in Paris.
Despite Fullkrug's missed opportunity, Sancho's performance was marked by a notable statistic: he became the first Englishman in Champions League history to complete 11+ take-ons in a single game, eclipsing even Lionel Messi's record at the semi-final stage against Manchester United in 2008.
The stark contrast between Sancho's performances in Dortmund's colors and his struggles at United prompted reflection among supporters. After a lackluster spell in Manchester, the England international embarked on a loan return to Dortmund in January to rejuvenate his career.
In the aftermath of Dortmund's triumph, Ferdinand couldn't help but gush over Sancho's display, likening it to the player's form during his previous stint at Dortmund. Ferdinand marveled at Sancho's versatility, highlighting his ability to contribute beyond mere dribbling.
Ferdinand encouraged Sancho to relish the praise he would undoubtedly receive following his outstanding performance, while also pondering the factors contributing to his underwhelming spell at United.
Former United and Bayern Munich midfielder Owen Hargreaves echoed Ferdinand's sentiments, commending Sancho for outshining every player on the pitch.
Hargreaves emphasized the significance of Sancho's confidence and arrogance, qualities that propelled him to excel in a high-pressure environment like the Champions League.
Despite criticisms of Sancho's inconsistency, Hargreaves hailed his performance as a testament to his talent and ability to deliver on the big stage.
He dismissed any detractors, asserting that Sancho's display against PSG showcased his undeniable quality, even outperforming the likes of Kylian Mbappe.
Both Ferdinand and Hargreaves celebrated Sancho's stellar showing, acknowledging its impact on his value and the perception of his abilities, while also recognizing the challenges he faced and overcame to deliver such a standout performance.