Football
Partey better than Casemiro and Rodri? Ukrainian back Zinchenko is a laughing stock in England
Oleksandr Zinchenko, the Ukrainian defender who plays for Arsenal, was a guest on Rio Ferdinand’s YouTube channel, where he called Thomas Partey the best defensive midfielder in the Premier League during an interview, preferring him to Casemiro and Rodrigo.
Zinchenko, who was selected back in 2016 by Manchester City, who paid over €2 million for him at the time to Russian side Ufa, is now defending the colours of Arsenal, where he transferred last summer.
For a long time, it looked like it was a great move as he was heading for the league title with the Gunners, which the outside-back has already won four times, however, in the end it was the Citizens players who rejoiced in winning the Premier League again.
And it was Thomas Partey who was one of Arsenal’s key figures last season and it is no different now, even though he is starting in an unusual position for him. In fact, all three league games so far Partey has played at right-back.
The Ghanaian footballer has then impressed Zinchenko so much that he is absolutely clear on who is the best defensive midfielder in the Premier League. He even preferred him to Rodri, with whom he also shared a cabin.
“I don’t mean that in a bad way. Casemiro is a world-class player, he’s won the Champions League five times, but if I had to choose, it would be Partey. I once asked myself who was the best defensive midfielder I’ve ever played with – I was deciding between Fernandinho, Rodrigo and Partey,” Zinchenko let slip.
With this statement, he has of course brought a lot of fans who have a different opinion, except perhaps Gunners fans.
Partey is clearly proving his tremendous qualities game after game. Even more so this season when he is playing out of his main post. Of course, Rodri has also been putting in great performances lately and he is the one who is considered the best defensive midfielder in the Premier League. But of course, his team helps him a lot.
Casemiro, on the other hand, has had a lot of success with Real Madrid. He is also doing well at Manchester United, having been absolutely key to the stability of the team last season, which was often on fire in the midfield before his arrival.
Moreover, Partey will measure his strength with the Brazilian midfielder this weekend when Manchester United visit the Emirates Stadium on Sunday as part of the 4th round of the Premier League.
Source: Transfermarkt, Youtube