Manchester United Legend Rio Ferdinand thinks that Casemiro’s defensive play sets him different from Thomas Partey of Arsenal Before their match on Sunday.
Despite Thomas Partey’s stellar season, Rio Ferdinand thinks the Manchester United enforcer cannot be compared to the Arsenal midfielder.
Both of the defensive midfielders will undoubtedly be strong candidates for a spot on everyone’s Premier League team of the season due to their outstanding performances this season.
Without any of these individuals, it is unlikely that either the Gunners or the Red Devils would be contending for the EPL title. Both players are essential to the style of play of their respective teams.
Ahead of United’s vital trip to the Emirates to play the Gunners on Sunday, Ferdinand asserted that Casemiro “wipes him [Partey] away” with his impact on the game. Ferdinand based his allegation on statistics.
The former Manchester United defender doesn’t think Partey could fill Erik ten Hag’s team’s middle position with an equal amount of effectiveness.
Not at all. I don’t believe Partey is a strong enough defender to play like Casemiro,” he remarked.
For Man United, “I don’t think he has the influence defensively; on the ball, he’s doing more,”
However, Ferdinand praised the Ghanaian for his outstanding performances this year, particularly for his commanding presence in Arsenal’s 2-0 victory at Tottenham.
On point, he is acting more. He’s telling Arsenal how to play,’ he claimed.
He is playing passes that I was unaware he had. It is inconceivable that he has passed away.
According to Opta, Casemiro has made more tackles (46), 12 more than Partey, and more chances 14 than Partey 13.
The Arsenal star, though, has 116 times 28 more than Casemiro
won possession, and he also passes more accurately and more frequently makes advanced passes.
After joining Man United for £70 million from Real Madrid in the summer, Casemiro has excelled for the team under Erik ten Hag.
The Brazilian star, 30, has made 27 appearances for the Red Devils this season and has made a significant contribution in midfield with five assists and two goals.
Casemiro has established himself as a pillar of the United squad and a rock in the defensive midfield. When the Reds needed it, the 30-year-old even moved into the center-back position.
Partey has also played a key role in Arsenal’s outstanding first half of the season, which has seen the Gunners win 15 of their first 18 Premier League games.
As Ferdinand suggests, Casemiro has the advantage defensively with more tackles and blocks, but Partey’s passing numbers are significantly superior.
As Arsenal looks to widen its eight-point lead at the top of the Premier League, both Casemiro and Partey will have another chance to shine as the teams square off for the second time this season.
But if he (Casemiro) receives a booking when Man United plays Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Wednesday, the Brazilian will miss the crucial match at the Emirates on Sunday.
Man United has won nine straight games across all competitions and is just nine points behind Arsenal.
Arsenal will be seeking retribution at the Emirates after United defeated them 3-1 at Old Trafford in September, handing them their lone league loss this season.
This weekend, United will visit the Emirates to build on the Reds’ outstanding 2023 season so far. The 2-1 victory over Manchester City on Saturday gave Erik ten Hag’s team, who has not lost a point since the World Cup break, a huge confidence boost.
