RIO FERDINAND was left gobsmacked when Oleksandr Zinchenko revealed the best midfielder he's ever played with – so much so he left the room they were in.

The Arsenal defender was a recent guest on Ferdinand's Vibe with Five podcast, where he answered a number of personal and professional questions from Manchester United great.

The topic of holding midfielders eventually came up with, Ferdinand's co-host Joel Beya asking Zinchenko if team-mate Thomas Partey was better than United midfielder Casemiro.

The Ukrainian replied: "I don't want to say something bad. Casemiro is a world-class player, five Champions Leagues.

"But if I had to choose, it would be Partey.

"I had the debate in my head, who is the best holding midfielder I have ever played with – it was between Fernandinho, Rodri and Partey.

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"It is a tough one. I watched Fernandinho when he was at Shakhtar and he helped me so much.

"I love him like an older brother."

Ferdinand, 44, was left stunned and then asked Zinchenko if he reckons Partey is better than his former Manchester City team-mate Rodri.

Zinchenko replied by exhaling heavily, which prompted a flabbergasted Ferdinand to say: "I am leaving the room."

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Ferdinand, who had his hands on his head in disbelief, added: "I think he is great, but better than Rodri?"

Zinchenko defended his stance by saying: "Rio, please come and see him in training. He has everything."

He was, however, quick to hail what Rodri brings to last season's treble winners.

"He fits so well in City's system, take him out and it is a different City, for sure," Zinchenko said. "He is the main detail and that is the hardest position to play."

Zinchenko and his Arsenal team-mates on Sunday afternoon, welcoming Manchester United to the Emirates.

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