Partey or Camavinga? Wayne Rooney Names His Favourite Ahead of Real vs Arsenal Clash

• Man United legend Wayne Rooney has revealed his verdict on who is the better midfielder between Thomas Partey and Eduardo Camavinga
• The 2008 Champions League shared his opinion on the aforementioned pair ahead of Real Madrid's UCL quarter-final tie with Arsenal
• With the Gunners boasting a 3-0 lead going into the reverse fixture, Partey is confident the North London club will reach the semi-finals

Wayne Rooney has ignited conversation in football circles with his take on the midfield battle between Arsenal and Real Madrid.

The Manchester United icon shared his thoughts on who's the superior midfielder between Thomas Partey and Eduardo Camavinga ahead of what promises to be an epic UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Partey or Camavinga: Rooney reveals his verdict

Speaking to UEFA in a pre-match interview, the former striker was asked to construct a combined XI featuring standout performers from both squads.

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When the discussion narrowed to a choice between Real Madrid’s young French dynamo and Arsenal’s Ghanaian orchestrator, Rooney didn’t hesitate—he leaned towards Camavinga.

How did Partey perform when he faced Camavinga?

Rooney's choice has ruffled feathers, particularly given Partey’s dominant display in the first leg.

In that encounter, Arsenal overran Madrid with a midfield trio that functioned like a well-oiled machine.

At the heart of that control was Partey, who expertly managed tempo, disrupted Madrid’s rhythm, and dictated play from deep, per Online Gooner.

The Ghana international’s influence gave Declan Rice the freedom to oscillate between defensive duties and forward surges while allowing Martin Ødegaard to thrive creatively in the half-spaces.

Against a Real engine room boasting Luka Modric, Jude Bellingham, and Camavinga himself, Partey was arguably the standout.

From a tactical standpoint, Partey's blend of positional intelligence, press resistance, and progressive passing gave Arsenal the edge in central areas—a factor many believe tipped the balance in their favour.

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Fans react to Rooney's verdict

Rooney’s comments have since stirred a wave of reactions online:

@mrfabmillz voiced his frustration:

"People really underrate Partey’s influence on the field."

@taiwo_teeplus was more humorous:

"Camavinga over Partey must be the Joke of the Day 😀🤣"

@caesaronie didn’t hold back:

"No wonder he failed as coach."

@norman_daunique added:

"That's why this lad is never a great coach. I see zero football knowledge here 😂😂"

@__unruly__00 chimed in with laughter:

"Camavinga over Partey Nah 😂"

@leopardmusic was bold in his assessment:

"Partey over both Camavinga & Tchouameni combined."

As anticipation builds for the second leg, all eyes will once again be on the engine room, where Partey and Camavinga are expected to go head-to-head in a midfield duel that could decide who advances.

Regardless of Rooney's preference, the pitch will ultimately provide the final verdict.

Partey confident ahead of UCL blockbuster

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Earlier, YEN.com.gh highlighted Thomas Partey's confident outlook ahead of Arsenal’s second-leg clash with Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu.

With the Gunners taking a comfortable 3-0 advantage into the return fixture, the Ghanaian midfielder stressed the importance of a disciplined defensive display to seal a spot in the Champions League semi-finals.

Source: YEN.com.gh