Thomas Partey’s performance for Arsenal in their Community Shield win over Manchester City has sparked a debate among some Ghanaians who have compared him to Chelsea and Ghanaian legend Michael Essien.
Partey had a colossal performance against City as he controlled the midfield and guided the Gunners to a 4-1 win on penalties after the game ended one-all at Wembley on August 6, 2023.
The 29-year-old was one of the talking points after the match as many highlighted how influential he was in Arsenal’s system.
While singing the praises of the former Atletico Madrid man, one handler tweeted: “Thomas Partey’s football intelligence put him ahead of Micheal Essien.”
The tweet ignited a heated debate as some Arsenal fans sided with the assertion whereas some Chelsea fans and a section of Ghanaians disagreed.
Michael Essien, one-time BBC Footballer of the year, is rated as one of Ghana and Africa’s greatest-ever midfielders and also has a great legacy in European football after playing for Olympique Lyon, Chelsea, AC Milan, Real Madrid, and other notable clubs.
Meanwhile, Thomas Partey is rated as one of the best defensive midfielders in football and arguably the best on the African continent currently.
Checkout some reactions below
Essien had a far better career. He did what he knew how to do so well. But make we take ball put ground paa de33 Partey dey ball. I feel there's something hindering him. He just is too relaxed and doesn't feel the need to explode. Essien on the contrary was a beast that will kill https://t.co/9bJlTLH2EP
— sui generis (N.Y.) (@_rhodium_1) August 7, 2023
Nostalgia is preventing you from accepting the fact that Partey technically gifted than Essien. Watch this !!!!!https://t.co/Uao4uA7gk6
— Maestro (@EbenezerAppau9) August 7, 2023
But how can you compare Partey to Michael Essien? Essien is miles ahead of Thomas Partey. 💯
— Kweku Boye📯 🇬🇭 (@BoyeKweku) August 6, 2023
Partey isn’t even close to Rodri how much more Michael Essien Lol
Charley let’s put this country man support aside and let’s talk about real football!!! https://t.co/4TaknmknDp— Drayyy💙🥷 (@drayy09) August 6, 2023
Comparing Essien to Partey is like comparing Modric to Mason Mount
— Kuame Oliver 💕 (@KuameOliver_) August 6, 2023
The lady is schooling the guys on the Partey-Essien argument😂
— MrOpare (@mista_opare) August 6, 2023
This is what i get from those who started watching football when doing anything for twitter engagements became a thing.
You’re entitled to your opinion but Read the room Obaa Hemma. No one is forcing you to be an influencer at everything. At least you spelt “Essien” well this… https://t.co/XyoLzEzvo5
— Sage Kenny 🐺🦍 (@Donsarkcess) August 6, 2023
Source: www.ghanaweb.com