I’ve played against Casemiro and with Rodri but Thomas Partey is the best - Zinchenko
Arsenal star Oleksandr Zinchenko has encountered some of football's most eminent personalities, but he affirms that Thomas Partey stands as the finest holding midfielder he has played alongside.
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Partey, a standout player for Arsenal, made a £45.3 million transfer from Atletico Madrid in 2020; however, recent speculations have linked him with a potential move elsewhere.
Several clubs, including Galatasaray, have expressed interest in securing the midfielder for the Turkish Super Lig.
Speaking candidly to the YouTube channel FIVE, Zinchenko offered an unreserved commendation for Partey, naming him as the Premier League's most underappreciated player.
During the interview, the Ukrainian talent was posed a question comparing Partey to Manchester United's Casemiro.
Avoiding derogatory comments, Zinchenko emphasized Partey's significance, even in the company of accomplished players like Casemiro. He shared, "I don't want to say something bad. Casemiro is a world-class player, five Champions Leagues. But if I had to choose, it would be Partey."
Zinchenko delved into a contemplative evaluation of his fellow holding midfielders, comprising Fernandinho, Rodri, and Partey, a group that encapsulates challenging choices. Reflecting on Fernandinho's influence, he acknowledged, "I watched Fernandinho when he was at Shakhtar and he helped me so much. I love him like an older brother."
Engaging in the discussion, former England and Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand probed further by inquiring whether Partey surpasses Manchester City's Rodri.
Zinchenko paused momentarily, prompting Ferdinand to react with a gesture of astonishment. The Ukrainian player then responded, "Rio, please come and see him in training. He has everything."
Drawing from his experience as a former teammate of Rodri's at Manchester City, Zinchenko further elucidated, "He fits so well in City's system, take him out and it is a different City, for sure. He is the main detail and that is the hardest position to play."