Rio Ferdinand believes there is no comparison between Manchester United star man Casemiro and Arsenal linchpin Thomas Partey.
The Red Devils travel to the Emirates Stadium on Sunday looking to close the gap at the top of the Premier League, though United will have to do it without their summer signing.
Ahead of the clash, social media has been awash with a debate over who is better – an argument that has existed from when they were rivals at Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.
Casemiro has made a huge impact since his arrival at Old Trafford from Real, with the five-time Champions League winner transforming Man United’s midfield and defensive spine and his suspension will be felt.
Meanwhile, ex-Atleti star Partey has been a crucial middle man for Mikel Arteta and the Gunners’ march to their current position eight points clear at the top of the Premier League table.
However, Ferdinand says passionate Brazil star Casemiro ‘wipes the floor’ with Partey due to his impact on the game, as both players continue to be superb in their role of breaking up play and winning possession to help launch attacks.
“I think the importance to their teams… you could argue both sides quite equally – but then, when you throw the stats in, Casemiro wipes him away,” the former United centre-back said on his Vibe with Five Podcast.
“I don’t think Partey could do what Casemiro does. I don’t think Partey is good enough defensively to do what Casemiro is doing.
“I don’t think he has the impact defensively [for Arsenal as Casemiro has] for Man United.”
Ferdinand, did, however, praise 29-year-old Partey, especially after Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over north London rivals Tottenham.
“On the ball he’s doing more, he’s dictating play for Arsenal,” he said.
“He’s controlling the tempo, he’s actually playing passes I didn’t know he had. His passing has been unbelievable.
“How much did he cost, £40million? That’s a bargain.”
Casemiro has five assists and two goals in his 27 appearances since arriving from Real Madrid in a £70m deal last summer.
Partey, meanwhile, has helped the Gunners to win 15 of their opening 18 Premier League games.
But Arsenal fan Piers Morgan disagrees.
“If you genuinely think Partey isn’t as good as Casemiro then you’re in for a nasty shock on Sunday when he bullies your guy into submission and I get this trending again,” he tweeted before United’s draw with Crystal Palace on Wednesday night.
Then later, reacting to the midfielder’s yellow card, said: “I think Casemiro got himself deliberately booked to avoid proving me right.”
