Diego Simeone has claimed that Thomas Partey could have played for Manchester City or Manchester United as he heaped praise on the Atletico Madrid midfielder.
The Argentinian’s admission came after Atletico’s 2-0 La Liga victory at home to Getafe in which Partey played brilliantly in the centre of midfield.
Both goals came in the first period from Antoine Griezmann and Saul Niguez and Simeone has lauded Partey for having a hand in both the goals.
“I liked Thomas today. He and Rodrigo [Hernandez Cascante] were great,” Simeone told reporters after the match.
“I think he’s improving, Thomas is an amazing player. He could have played for Manchester City [or] Manchester United.
“We’re talking about a great player here. I rate him very highly.”
Leading up to the Janaury transfer window, the Citizens were heavily linked with a move for Partey as Pep Guardiola looks for a long-term replacement for Fernandinho.
Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain have also been credited with interest in the past as Partey was thought to be unhappy in the Spanish capital around in October.