Declan Rice has showered praise on Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey, insisting that the Black Stars deputy captain is vastly underrated.

Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s high-stakes UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg against Paris Saint-Germain, Rice highlighted Partey's importance to the team.

Arsenal head into the match in France trailing 1-0 on aggregate, having missed Partey's presence in the first leg due to suspension.

The Gunners struggled early in that match, with PSG taking control and scoring the decisive goal in the fourth minute through Ousmane Dembele.

Reflecting on the upcoming clash set for Wednesday, May 7, Rice expressed his admiration for Partey, noting that the former Atletico Madrid star brings immense quality and composure to the midfield.

“The best thing about playing with Thomas [Partey] is the calmness he brings to play with the team. Before I came to Arsenal there was so much talk about how good he is.

He doesn’t always get the recognition he deserves. I am quite lucky Thomas is there and he lets me roam up and down.”

Partey is in the final months of his contract with Arsenal and negotiations between his camp and the Gunners on a new deal have been reported.