Pundit lauds Partey but doesn’t believe Arsenal midfielder has the same ‘impact’ as Man Utd ace

Rio Ferdinand has been impressed by Arsenal star Thomas Partey, but he doesn’t believe he has the same impact as Manchester United’s Casemiro.

The Arsenal midfielder has played a key role for Mikel Arteta’s side this season and he starred in their 2-0 victory against Spurs.

Partey went close to getting on the scoresheet himself as his effort from outside the box crashed against the post. The 29-year-old has started in 15 of Arsenal’s 18 league matches this season.

He has often started alongside Granit Xhaka and Martin Odegaard in the base of Arsenal’s midfield. He has won 34 tackles this season, which is more than any other Arsenal midfielder.

Ferdinand has been impressed with what he has seen from Partey, but he still believes that Casemiro has a greater impact on the way Man United play.

The pundit told Vibe with Five: “The pass for Saka and then the one round the corner before the Odegaard goal. He’s actually playing some passes I didn’t know he had. At Atletico, did you see these passes?

“I don’t think Partey is good enough defensively to do what Casemiro does. I don’t think he has the impact Casemiro does for Man United.”

There’s no doubt that Casemiro has had a huge impact on the way Man United now play. The Brazilian midfielder has glued things together in the middle for United this season.

Erik ten Hag’s side are now nine points behind Arsenal and have a game against the Gunners to look forward to at the weekend.

Arteta’s side could further boost their title chances if they manage to secure a result against United. The Gunners are currently on a 12-game unbeaten run in the league.

Following their north London derby victory, Arteta told Sky Sports: “I loved the way we played and the courage we showed to come here and play. Doing our job we can make a lot of people happy, and I’m sure we’ve made Arsenal fans very happy.

“It is not for me. Everything we ask, they are so willing to try and do. They are a terrific group of players. I think today we went another step. We won last season in big stadiums, but the way we won today was really pleasing to watch.

“It shows not only determination and courage but you have to have the belief and quality to do it against this team. That is absolutely down to the players.

“We were really aggressive. We were really intense against the high press. We won so many balls and duels. They created some openings, they are a dangerous team, but we did a lot of good work today.”

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