GABRIEL MAGALHAES was Arsenal’s best summer signing, not Thomas Partey, Gary Neville has hinted.
The Gunners have finally shown a bit of steel in defence under Mikel Arteta this season after years of soft displays.
⚠️ Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news from The Emirates
Gabriel was a better signing than Partey, Gary Neville has hintedCredit: Reuters
Neville was quick to pile praise on Gabriel while fellow pundits focused their attention on ParteyCredit: PA:Press Association
And above all others, new-boy Gabriel has shone brightest, according to former Manchester United star Neville – despite other pundits racing to pile praise on Partey.
After Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Man Utd, Neville told Sky Sports: “Arsenal’s defensive performance has been brilliant, from front to back, but the back three have been good.
“Gabriel has been fantastic, so far I’d say he’s been the best player on the pitch, for me.
“[Rob] Holding’s been good in the right centre-back position as well.
“He was brilliant, Mikel Arteta, in the way in which he set his team up.
“[Pierre-Emerick] Aubameyang got the goal, which his team deserved.”
Meanwhile, a host of Man Utd legends have waxed lyrical about Partey, instead – with Rio Ferdinand frustrated his former club didn’t make a move to sign him.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ferdinand said: “Partey – what?!
“I said a while ago back in April or before that when I was talking about who United should buy – that was my guy!”
Paul Scholes added: “You don’t see many players like [Partey] these days.
“Midfielders are attacking midfielders or holding midfielders but a midfield player’s job is to do everything.
“You have to contribute with everything and today he did a brilliant job in all departments.”
Roy Keane even suggested Partey could evolve into the ‘new Patrick Vieira’.
The Irishman claimed: “The more I watch him, the more I wish he was in the Man Utd midfield.
“I think this kid has got a chance of matching what Patrick [Vieira] used to do.”
Rio Ferdinand frustrated Man Utd didn’t sign Arsenal new boy Thomas Partey
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
