Arsenal’s Newest Acquisition Shows Glimpses Of Patrick Vieira, Says Roy Keane

Thomas Partey’s value as a booter has increased overnight as pundits and football legends alike praised him for exhibiting a solid performance in the game versus Manchester United on Monday.

Several media outlets believe that the Gunners had hit the jackpot with their acquisition of the Ghanaian midfielder, who heavily contributed to the team's 1-nil victory over the Red Devils in the English Premier League.

Playing for over 90 minutes of action, an influx of admiration from both fans and luminaries was bestowed upon Partey.

The biggest commendation that the former Europa League winner received after the match was from retired Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane, who revered the 27-year-old for his assertiveness on the field.

"He was outstanding. He's obviously no mug having played in big games. When you watch a player live, that's when you can judge a player and the more I look at him the more I wish he was in the United midfield," he said. "He's big, strong and aggressive--and he can pass it forward. He can deal with the ball."

The Irish football icon revealed that Partey reminded him of Patrick Vieira, whom he had numerous derbies with on the pitch.

"I had my battles with Vieira, and I think this kid has got a chance of matching what Patrick used to do," Keane stated.

Fellow ex-player Jamie Redknapp supported Keane's claim and pointed out that Partey's style makes him want to take a trip down memory lane.

"He's a bit of a throwback. I don't look at him as just a number six, a number eight, or a defensive midfielder. I just think of him as a really good midfield player that can do everything. I think back to the likes of Patrick Viera and Emmanuel Petit--that was the golden era,” Redknapp shared.

Coming from Atletico Madrid, Arsenal paid Partey’s buyout clause worth $58.20 million for him to don the club's signature red-and-white jersey.

Partey proved the front office of Arsenal that they made the right investment, leading the squad with 79 touches and 11 recoveries.

Head coach Mikel Arteta is expected to field Partey once again as Arsenal faces Molde in the Europa League on Thursday.