Oleksandr Zinchenko has named Thomas Partey as the best defensive midfielder, ahead of Rodri and Casemiro, claiming that the Ghanaian international is better than his former teammates.
According to Zinchenko, Partey is the most underrated player in the Premier League, a fact that often goes unnoticed by many.
Last season, Partey played a pivotal role in Arsenal’s midfield, contributing significantly as Mikel Arteta’s squad secured second place behind Manchester City in the Premier League title race.
Interestingly, Arteta has made a surprising tactical shift this season, playing Partey at the right-back position following the arrival of Declan Rice in the summer.
Despite interest from Saudi Arabia earlier in the summer, Partey remained at Emirates Stadium, much to Zinchenko’s delight as his teammate.
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Zinchenko believes that Partey holds the title of the best defensive midfielder in the Premier League, even ranking him higher than both Casemiro and Rodri.
During an interview with Vibe With Five, Zinchenko was asked about the most underrated player in the league, to which he promptly responded, “Underrated… I think Thomas Partey.”
When queried about whether Partey is better than Casemiro, Zinchenko carefully replied: ‘Listen, I don’t want to say something bad, he’s absolutely a world-class player as well, Casemiro, five Champions Leagues. But for me, if you wanted me to choose one, it would be Partey.”
Reflecting on his experience, Zinchenko mentioned his internal debate about the best holding midfielder he’s played with.
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He weighed the qualities of Fernandinho, Rodri, and Partey, acknowledging Fernandinho’s significant impact on him but hesitating when considering Partey’s exceptional attributes.
“I had the debate in my head, who is the best holding midfielder I have ever played with. It was between Fernandinho, Rodri and Partey.
‘It’s a tough one. I watched Fernandinho when he was at Shakhtar and he helped me so much. I love him like an older brother, but Thomas Partey… I don’t know”- Zinchenko concluded.
SOURCE: hellovybes.com
