Oleksandr Zinchenko feels Thomas Partey is the best defensive midfielder in the Premier League (Getty)
Oleksandr Zinchenko has named Arsenal teammate Thomas Partey as the most underrated player in the Premier League.
Partey played a key role at the heart of Arsenal’s midfield last season as Mikel Arteta’s side finished runners-up to Manchester City in the race for the Premier League title.
In a surprising change for the start of the season, Arteta has opted to play Partey at right-back following the arrival of Declan Rice in the summer.
But Zinchenko believes Partey is the best defensive midfielder in the Premier League and rates his Arsenal teammate above both Casemiro and Rodri.
When asked who he believes is the most underrated player in the Premier League, Zinchenko told Vibe With Five: ‘Underrated… I think Thomas Partey.’
Oleksandr Zinchenko believes Thomas Partey is better than Casemiro (Getty)
Asked if he feels Partey is better than Casemiro, Zinchenko 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.
‘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.’
Asked by Rio Ferdinand if he believes Partey is better than Rodri, Zinchenko replied: ‘Rio, please come and see him in a training session. He has everything.
‘Rodri absolutely fits so well in City’s system, if you take him out it is a different City, for sure, no question. He is the main detail and that is the hardest position to play.’
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‘Come and see him in a training session. He has everything.’
