Roy Keane insists Thomas Partey can reach the heights of Patrick Vieira at Arsenal after his man-of-the-match show in the win at Manchester United.
Partey was a huge part of Arsenal’s pressing game at Old Trafford as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s second-half penalty gave them a first win at a “big-six” rival since 2015, a run stretching back 29 games.
Partey, a £45m Deadline Day signing from Atletico Madrid, drew high praise from both Sky Sports pundits and his manager Mikel Arteta, with a major comparison made to Gunners legend Vieira by Keane, who knows a thing or two about battles with the Frenchman.
Sky Sports’ Roy Keane:
“He was outstanding. He’s obviously no mug having played in big games. When you watch a player live that’s when you can judge a player and the more I look at him the more I wish he was in the United midfield. He’s big, strong and aggressive – and he can pass it forward. He can deal with the ball.
“I had my battles with Vieira and I think this kid has got a chance of matching what Patrick used to do.”
Redknapp: He’s a throwback
Sky Sports’ Jamie Redknapp:
“He’s a bit of a throwback. I don’t look at him as just a No 6, a No 8 or a defensive midfielder, I just think of him as a really good midfield player that can do everything. I think back to the likes of Patrick Viera and Emmanuel Petit – that was the was golden era.
“Arsenal had a desire and energy to get the ball back. They were better in every department. Gabriel was magnificent and Partey was the best player on the pitch. He looks like an incredible signing.”
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta:
“He was really good, I wouldn’t like to go to individuals. It’s getting harder and harder to pick out the team, whoever I’m picking they play with a lot of courage.”
