Wayne Rooney has sparked debate across football circles with his verdict on the midfield battle between Arsenal and Real Madrid, choosing Eduardo Camavinga over Thomas Partey ahead of the decisive UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu.
The Manchester United legend made the call during a pre-match interview with UEFA, where he was asked to assemble a combined XI featuring top performers from both sides. When it came down to selecting between Arsenal’s Ghanaian midfield anchor and Madrid’s young French star, Rooney gave a firm nod to Camavinga.
However, his decision has raised eyebrows, particularly in light of Partey’s impressive performance in the first leg.
In that match, Partey played a pivotal role as Arsenal’s midfield outclassed Madrid’s, helping the Gunners control the tempo and disrupt their opponents' rhythm. According to Online Gooner, Partey’s deep-lying playmaking and defensive awareness were central to Arsenal’s midfield dominance.
The Ghanaian’s presence gave Declan Rice the freedom to shuttle between defensive cover and attacking transitions, while Martin Ødegaard flourished in advanced areas. Facing a Real Madrid midfield packed with talent—including Luka Modric, Jude Bellingham, and Camavinga—Partey emerged as one of the standout performers on the night.
Tactically, Partey’s ability to read the game, resist pressure, and deliver progressive passes helped Arsenal gain a crucial foothold in midfield, tipping the balance in their favour during the first-leg encounter.
With the second leg looming, Rooney’s preference for Camavinga adds another layer of intrigue to what is already one of the most anticipated fixtures of the Champions League season.
