Oleksandr Zinchenko has hailed Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey as the most underrated player in the English Premier League.
The versatile left-back for Arsenal has shared the pitch with Partey and, more recently, Declan Rice at the Emirates Stadium. Having also played alongside some of the finest defensive midfielders globally during his time at Manchester City, such as Fernandinho and Rodri, Zinchenko’s accolades for Partey hold considerable weight.
The latter, Rodri, has recently secured the Champions League for Manchester City and stands as a contender for the upcoming Ballon d’Or accolade, highlighting his remarkable influence in Pep Guardiola’s midfield.
Despite having these esteemed colleagues, Zinchenko unequivocally designated Partey as the best defensive midfielder he has ever played alongside.
The Ukrainian perceives Partey’s abilities as superior to those of both Casemiro and Rodri, categorizing the Black Stars deputy captain as a world-class player.
Zinchenko shared his perspective on The Five’s YouTube channel during a discussion about the Premier League’s most underrated player, asserting:
“Underrated? I think Thomas Partey.”
Upon being inquired about Partey’s comparison to Manchester United’s Casemiro, Zinchenko diplomatically replied:
“Listen, I don’t wanna say something bad. He is absolutely (a) world-class player as well, Casemiro. Five Champions League. But for me, if you want me to choose one, Thomas Partey.”
Zinchenko continued: “I had a debate in my head who is actually the best holding midfielder I ever played with. The debate was between Fernandinho, Thomas Partey and Rodri but Thomas Partey, he’s so good. He has everything.
“Rodri fits perfectly in Manchester City’s system, if you take him out it’s a different City. Rodri is the main detail there because for me that is hardest position to play and Rodri suits them so well, but Thomas Partey is the best for me,” he emphasized.
Zinchenko on the Thomas Partey Vs Casemiro Vs Rodri 😳
CC: @rioferdy5 @joelbeya @Zinchenko_Ol pic.twitter.com/MIhq88CXke
— FIVE (@FIVEUK) August 29, 2023
Thomas Partey, who transferred from Atletico Madrid to Arsenal for €50 million in October 2020, has featured in 103 matches for the Gunners under Mikel Arteta. While predominantly occupying the role of a defensive midfielder, his versatility is evident, as he has even been deployed as an inverted right-back in all three Arsenal Premier League fixtures this season.
