Posted by With football in most part of the world at a standstill, Ghanaian football lovers in bid to kill boredom have ignited a new debate on who’s a better player between African football legend Michael Essien and Thomas Partey.
Michael Essien, who’s now 37 years old and playing for Azerbaijan side Sabail was regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world during his prime.
Follow country mate, Thomas Partey isn’t receiving any different compliment, he is also regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world currently.
The duo share a lot in common, both play in similar position and share similar qualities. The phrase, “The one-man human wrecking ball who can also play football“ perfectly describes either of them.
It’s unclear as to who and what triggered this comparison, but below are some interesting opinions:
Essien scored 9 goals for the Black Stars in 58 appearances. It took Partey less than half of those games (27) to score 10 goals for Ghana. pic.twitter.com/cqX8wGReyI
— Owuraku Ampofo (@_owurakuampofo) May 8, 2020
And no, Partey is not even playing at Essien's Lyon level when he was the best player in France.
— Michael Oti Adjei (@OtiAdjei) May 8, 2020
We can appreciate Partey without remotely drawing Essien in. Blasphemy at this stage.
Dont chew my Boy!! he's only stating facts.Will be blasphemous to suggest Partey is better than Essien.He won't dare.Let's accept the fact..Essien is a Monster..Bison!! proper defence shield and scorer of many important goals matched with trophies.❤ https://t.co/GHWHVECJUj
— george addo jnr (@addojunr) May 8, 2020
I'm guessing this settles the Partey vs Essien debate then. pic.twitter.com/nHG02mW9J3
— Owuraku Ampofo (@_owurakuampofo) May 8, 2020
The problem with the stat generation is a complete lack of context for anything.
— Gary #StayAtHome (@garyalsmith) May 8, 2020
Essien played at a time when the midfield was not Africa class – it was world class and loaded. The team didn't depend on him for goals like it does for Partey. https://t.co/LNo4uq0ToP
Michael Essien and Partey’s argument isn’t even something to debate on
— Kelewele Joint 🍟 (@Ankamagyimi) May 8, 2020
Michael Essien is who a lot of Ghanaian midfielders aspired to become including Partey
Essien at Chelsea, 2006 WC qualifiers, 2006 WC, 2008 Afcon.
Top notch performances throughout. Partey no go fit!
What aaah Essien do Partey no dey do?
— dziwornu (@_efoooo) May 8, 2020
Partey hasn’t reached Essien’s level yet. Stop the disrespect
— MR.LAW (@the_law_himself) May 8, 2020
Essien won Premier league 2006,2010 ;
— 3tw3 Sarfoa😂 (@therealokine) May 8, 2020
3 FA cups and one league cup, 1 English super Cup
Essien won Champions league 2012, also a finalist in 2008
He won Chelsea goal of the season twice in 2006/7 and 2008/9
2X ligue 1 champion
2X French super cup winner
Who is Partey???
You People Are Comparing Partey To Essien Or You're Just Stating Stats.
— UCC SHATTA WALE🇬🇭🧠 (@iamsamuelpagge) May 8, 2020
Have You Ever Wondered Why Partey Wears The #5 Jersey?? It's Because He Wanted To Be Like Essien.
You People Just Dey Compare Anything Anyhow. You Don't Know Sh!t In Football Arh😂😂😂😂
"Partey is better than Essien ever was" pic.twitter.com/hTVYjtqz57
— Frank (@Driz_04) May 8, 2020
Which level???…who were the CMs in France at that time??? Party literally started and plays most of his career in a league with the best CMs during the last decade .. Mention any player on the level of Kroos, iniesta, Xavi, Modric, Gabi etc.. Essien is not on his level. https://t.co/aCG47vtBxZ
— Walderbs (@deRbYdaStuntMaN) May 8, 2020
In a debate of who is the better player overall, Michael Essien is definitely better than Thomas Partey but Partey is not far off – @Dani77k #SportsPanorama
— CitiNewsroom (@Citi973) May 8, 2020
Those saying Partey is better than Essien are those who will destroy this country.
— Che🇬🇭🇳🇬🇬🇧 (@CheEsquire) May 8, 2020
Partey wears Jersey number 5 for Ghana because he looks up to Essien
— Kay 💧 (@Kaypoisson1) May 8, 2020
Verdict: From the opinions shared on Twitter, it is clear almost everyone believes Essien is the better player. Majority even believe it is preposterous to compare the two, and Partey isn’t yet close to Essien’s level.