Topics: Declan Rice, Casemiro, Thomas Partey, Arsenal, Manchester United, Premier League
Newcastle United full-back Kieran Trippier has emphatically claimed that he would take the "unbelievable" Declan Rice over Casemiro and Thomas Partey.
The 32-year-old England international was speaking to Rio Ferdinand on his YouTube channel FIVE when the much-debated topic of Casemiro vs Partey popped up in conversation.
But after Trippier said he couldn't pick a clear winner between Casemiro and the Arsenal midfielder, Ferdinand brought his international teammate Rice into the fold.
You can watch the fascinating segment below.
When asked to pick between Rice and Partey, who has been one of Arsenal's standout players this season, the Newcastle defender said, without hesitation, "Declan. Declan's unbelievable."
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Trippier added: "I don't know if you watched the game the other day when we played West Ham, but just his intelligence, the way he breaks up play and how he travels with it, and how powerful he is.
"[He is] unbelievable, probably one of the best in the world at what he does."
The full-back was then asked if he'd take Rice over Casemiro, another player who is regarded as one of the Premier League's best midfielders at present and again, Trippier was very quick with his answer. "Yeah".
Ferdinand then brought former teammate Michael Carrick into the conversation as a perfect example of playing alongside an individual who may not get all the plaudits, but they remain an integral part of the team.
"As defenders like me or yourself, you appreciate a Michael Carrick, or what Declan does," Trippier said
"So it makes your job easier when they're just mopping everything up. Don't get me wrong, Casemiro, the trophies he's won, the Champions Leagues, he's a world-class player, but if you're talking right now, Decs is incredible."
West Ham midfielder Rice continues to be linked with a move away from the London Stadium.
Last month, it was reported that the 24-year-old will be Arsenal's 'priority' transfer target this summer. In fact, the Gunners are ready to break their transfer record to sign him.
According to The Daily Mail, the current Premier League leaders will go 'head-to-head' with Chelsea for Rice's signature, although West Ham are said to value the player at £100 million.
Arsenal chiefs are, however, confident of their chances as they prepare to potentially break their transfer record of £72 million – the amount they paid for Nicolas Pepe in 2019 from French outfit Lille.
In his post match press conference after West Ham's defeat to Arsenal on Boxing Day, Rice was quick to praise Mikel Arteta's side.
"I think they’re a top team, you can see they're coached incredibly well, the attacking talent, it’s a young squad, they could go the whole way for sure. They’re a good team," he said.
"We tried to stop them first half but it’s really hard. In the end, we come up short and it’s frustrating."
