“He’s better than anybody including Declan Rice”- Man City star Kevin De Bruyne puts rivalry aside and delivers a shocking verdict on Arsenal’s midfielder who is better than Declan Rice and must be protected if Arsenal must win the PL title- Not Odegard, and not Havertz

Kevin De Bruyne recently shared his thoughts on Arsenal’s midfield, highlighting Thomas Partey as their standout player when everyone is fit. Despite Arsenal’s recent slip in rankings, De Bruyne believes they can regain their top position, especially with Partey returning from a lengthy injury.

Arsenal welcomed Thomas Partey from Atletico Madrid in October 2020, with many seeing him as the next Patrick Vieira. Unfortunately, injuries have plagued Partey’s time at Arsenal, causing him to miss 63 games for both club and country. His absence from the African Cup of Nations further delays his return to action, expected in the coming weeks.

De Bruyne remains a strong supporter of Partey, asserting that, when fit, no other midfielder at Arsenal, including Declan Rice, can match the prowess of the Ghanaian international. Despite concerns about Partey’s injury history, De Bruyne emphasizes his significance in Arsenal’s starting lineup, particularly in the holding midfield role.

Thomas Partey has only started three Premier League games this season, playing a mere 15 minutes since September. While Arsenal has coped reasonably well without him, his absence has become evident in recent matches. The timeline for Partey’s return remains uncertain as he continues his recovery from surgery, but Arsenal is cautious not to rush his comeback.

De Bruyne’s endorsement suggests that once Thomas Partey is back, Arsenal’s strength will significantly improve. If they can maintain his fitness throughout the season, they stand a good chance of competing for the Premier League title.