Keane believes ‘outstanding’ Partey can ‘match’ Vieira

Matt Stead

Roy Keane believes “outstanding” Thomas Partey “has got a chance of matching” Patrick Vieira at Arsenal.

Partey joined the Gunners from Atletico Madrid for £45m this summer and has already proven himself capable of transforming their midfield.

He was in fine form as Arsenal secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford, from which you can read 16 Conclusions.


READ MORE: Why Partey is not ‘the modern-day Vieira’ at Arsenal


Keane felt Partey was a cut above the rest on Sunday.

“He was outstanding,” he told Sky Sports. “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.”

Jamie Redknapp agreed with that assessment, adding: “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 Vieira 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.”

Paul Scholes was even impressed with the Ghanaian, telling Premier League Productions: “He’s an all-round midfielder.

“You don’t see many players like that these days. Midfielders are attacking midfielders or holding midfielders but a midfield players’s job is to do everything,

“You have to contribute with everything and today he did a brilliant job in all departments.”