Arsenal star Oleksandr Zinchenko, who joined the Gunners from Manchester City in 2022, picked the best holding midfielder in the world, and it’s not Rodri.
The defender praised Tomas Partey, his teammate at Arsenal, claiming that he is the world’s best midfield player.
Zinchenko picks Partey over Rodri
According to Center goal on X, Zinchenko said,
“Thomas Partey is the best holding midfielder he’s ever played with, even better than Rodri.”
🇺🇦👀 According to Zinchenko, Thomas Partey is the best holding midfielder he's ever played with, even better than Rodri.
Do you agree with Zinchenko⁉️🤔
— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) September 8, 2024
Despite sharing the pitch with Rodri at Manchester City on several occasions, the Ukrainian opted for Partey, naming the Ghanaian star as the best holding midfield player he has ever played with.
Zinchencko’s pick might come as a huge surprise given Rodri’s achievements in recent times and global recognition, having been shortlisted for this year’s Ballon d’Or award.
Partey on the other hand, has struggled with injuries in recent years. The Arsenal man was injured for most of the previous campaign, making just 16 appearances in all competitions. However, he is back to full fitness this season and has started in all three Arsenal games so far, scoring against Aston Villa.
While the Gunners might have managed to get their star midfielder back to full fitness, another injury seems to be knocking, as new signing Ricardo Calafiori was seen limping off the pitch during the Uefa Nations League clash between Italy and France.
Reports claim that the 22-year-old Italian has left camp for London to receive treatment, with reports still yet to confirm if he would be available for the North London clash after the international break.