ARSENAL fans enjoyed another promising sign for new signing Thomas Partey – after discovering his FIFA 21 stats topped Harry Maguire’s.
The under-fire Manchester United captain is struggling for form for both club and country.
Thomas Partey is one of the most eagerly-awaited Arsenal arrivals in recent yearsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Harry Maguire has not enjoyed a good start to the seasonCredit: Ian Hodgson – Daily Mail
A red card against Denmark on Wednesday night compounded a poor start to England’s Nations League tie.
While Maguire, 27, was part of United’s shambolic defensive display in the recent 6-1 defeat to Tottenham.
The mood around the defender is completely contrasting to the Gunners’ buzz around Partey.
And Arsenal fans on social media were able to notch a cheeky point against their rivals when comparing the two players’ FIFA ratings.
Not only does the Ghanaian beat Maguire in defensive rating, 82 to 81, he also wins out in physicality, 85 to 84.
That is despite Partey being a midfielder, a factor which helps him secure better stats in dribbling, shooting, passing and pace.
While the EA Sports ratings are far from a gold standard, it gave optimistic Gooners another reason to love their new £45million signing ahead of his likely debut against Manchester City on Saturday.
Furthermore, the game’s developers have released a shed load of videos showing players reacting to their ratings – showing their importance in the dressing room.
How the stars compare on this year’s FIFACredit: FIFA
However, United fans largely backed their defender in this latest battleground of The Banter Wars.
One fan pointed out: “Maguire has higher DEF than ALL Arsenal defenders…”
Another sighed: “Having better defending than Maguire isn’t really an achievement lol.”
But Twitter user Kenneth admitted: “I am a Utd fan but this is so true that I can’t argue.”
England boss Gareth Southgate defended Maguire after Wednesday’s defeat at Wembley.
He said on talkSPORT: “He’s going through one of those periods where a lot of things are going against him.
“He’s getting all sorts of comments from people who should know better.
“But he’s strong and he’s just got to tough this period out. You have these periods as human beings when life doesn’t always go smoothly.
“He’ll get through it and he’ll be a better player and a stronger for it.”
Gareth Southgate reacts to Harry Maguire and Reece James red cards
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
