Arsenal already told they had their own Rodri - and it's not Declan Rice

September's first international break is in full flow and with that footballing debates often take place. The heated Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi conversations usually assume centre stage but - in this current two-week break - past comments from Arsenal's Oleksandr Zinchenko have resurfaced and are causing quite the storm.

The 67-cap Ukraine international signed for The Gunners in 2022 to kickstart Mikel Arteta's huge rebuild. However, two years on, the former Manchester City man looks set to take on a squad role with another three players signed following that arrival that can play in his position.

Considering he has spent time at Arsenal and City, Zinchenko has played alongside some of the best footballers in the modern game. As he often inverts from full-back, working closely with midfielders is common and - considering that - the 27-year-old made a surprise admission when asked about the best midfielder he has played with.

"For me, if you want me to choose one [defensive midfielder], Thomas Partey," he told FIVE last August. "I had a debate in my head, who is actually the best holding midfielder I played with? The debate was between Thomas Partey, Fernandinho and Rodri, but Thomas Partey...

"He has everything. Rodri absolutely fits the City system so well. If you take him out, it's a different City. He's their main detail in there and that's the hardest position to play and Rodri suits them so well." Since his bold admission, Rodri has helped City secure another Premier League title, while Partey was plagued by injuries, and the Ghanaian seemed destined for an Arsenal exit.

However, the summer transfer window has now closed and Partey remains at the club. In the final few games of last season, Partey started regularly, and proved he still had a role to play in north London. That successive run of starts has continued into the new season with the 31-year-old chosen to anchor the midfield.

Rodri, meanwhile, has yet to feature for City after being given an extended summer break following his Euro 2024 triumph with Spain. While many believe Rodri is the best in his position, there can't be too many better judges of a midfielder's talent than Zinchenko.

Arteta is another that's likely a great judge of what a holding midfielder needs and thus his decision to keep Partey may be further proof of his ability. Had it not been for injuries, it could be a very different conversation surrounding the former Atletico Madrid man and comparisons to Rodri.