Former Ghana International Michael Essien has conceded that Thomas Partey is a better midfielder than he was during his playing days.

Essien, who had established himself as one of the Premier League's best midfielders, has found himself being compared to the current Arsenal anchorman.

Partey is Ghana's deputy captain and has been a regular player for Arsenal since moving to London from Spain's Atlético Madrid in 2020.

"Between myself and Thomas Partey in prime, I don't think I will pick myself," Essien said in an interview with Sporty FM.

"I will go for Partey. He is a fantastic midfielder, you know. He is a talented player making waves in Europe.

"He is one player I’d liked to play alongside, but it will never happen. It is their time at the Black Stars now, so we have to support them and hopefully, they can take it from where we left off."

Essien began his career in Europe at Bastia and Lyon, before enjoying a glittering period with Chelsea, winning the UEFA Champions League, and two Premier League titles.