Arsenal legend Tony Adams has dubbed Thomas Partey an "exciting" addition.

The lack of a combative and technically-gifted defensive midfielder has been a problem in the squad for a number of years, but Adams believes Arsenal have finally found a player in the mould of Patrick Vieira and Gilberto Silva.

"We've got Partey now who's so exciting, going back to the Gilberto, Vieira days," Adams told Sky Sports. "Someone with a bit of protection in there which is fantastic.

"You've got a fantastic screen there. You've got a presence, a leader. I thought his performance against United was phenomenal.

"For me the best player on the pitch. He covered, doubled up on the defending, left the lines very narrow, all the principles of a defensive midfield player.

"For the first time in a long time I went 'Wow'."