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It’s been a notoriously long transfer window, especially for Arsenal fans. The Gunners faithful were tormented by several rumours all summer but most of them ended in dashed hopes. However, Thomas Partey was an exception.
On Deadline Day, Arsenal emphatically triggered the release clause of the Atletico Madrid midfielder, much to the despair of Diego Simeone. The Gunners now have in their possession one of the most complete central midfielders in the world, and he will bring a lot to Mikel Arteta’s team.
Here are 5 things that Thomas Partey will bring to Arsenal:
#5 Defensive solidity
Since the days of Gilberto Silva, Arsenal have lacked a physical presence in front of the back four. The likes of Francis Coquelin and Lucas Torreira have come close with their combative nature but didn’t have the physical stature to match.
Thomas Partey is the full package physically and coupled with his defensive training from low-block connoisseur Diego Simeone, he’s exactly what Arsenal need.
Last season, the 27-year-old successfully completed 70 tackles, made 48 interceptions, 41 clearances and 8 blocks in 35 La Liga games. His tenacious attitude and capability to win 65% of the duels he enters will provide much-needed steel to Arsenal’s central midfield.
#4 Versatility
What sets Thomas Partey apart from those who play in the same position is his ability to play several roles. He can be a defensive destroyer who sits in front of the defence and breaks up play. He can also be the energetic box-to-box midfielder that acts as a ball carrier, facilitating counter-attacks.
This means Thomas Partey can easily be deployed in a variety of positions in either a midfield-three or a double pivot. Such a trait will serve as a great advantage for Mikel Arteta as he continues to chop & change to find his best formation for this transitioning Arsenal side. It’s incredible to think that Arsenal have got a versatile world-class midfielder in the prime of his career.
#3 A press-resistant midfielder in the Arsenal squad
On top of his impressive versatility, Thomas Partey is one of the most press-resistant midfielders in the world. The Ghana international is known to be more than comfortable in tight spaces and is composed when faced with oncoming pressure.
This will certainly be music to Mikel Arteta’s ears as he’s placed a lot of focus on playing out from the back in recent months. This tactic has sometimes come unstuck, with his current personnel buckling under the opposition’s press.
In a low-block Atletico Madrid side, Partey completed 89% of take-ons as he produced 57 in 36 games. Dani Ceballos is notorious for his close control and mesmeric pirouettes but only completed 27 take-ons last season.
#2 Experience
At the age of 27, Thomas Partey has almost seen it all. The Ghana international has over 188 first-team appearances to his name for Atletico Madrid, with over five seasons worth of Champions League experience too.
Add to that his 27 caps for Ghana, and you start to understand the calibre of the player that Arsenal have just signed. In his time in Spain, the midfielder won the Europa League, UEFA Super Cup and has been a Champions League runner-up. Such pedigree will certainly be welcome at the Emirates.
It’s no secret that Diego Simeone uses every trick in the book to win games, a mentality he passes onto his players. Thomas Partey has been one of his most loyal disciples and will hopefully bring such grit to the Arsenal dressing room.
Mikel Arteta has made it clear that he wants his Arsenal squad to have a mixture of experience and youthfulness, and Thomas Partey is a combination of both those qualities.
#1 Physicality
Arsenal’s midfield has been crying out for a Patrick Vieira-like figure for years. For far too long, the Gunners have been too ‘nice on the eye’ and ‘easy’ to play against. The arrival of Thomas Partey puts an end to all that talk. Not only is he an intelligent and technical player but he is also a warrior who relishes any duel, priding himself in breaking up play.
His 185cm frame enabled him to win 67 aerial duels last season. In comparison, Granit Xhaka and Dani Ceballos could only win 54 between them. The 27-year-old will ensure that Arsenal’s midfield is no longer easy to bypass while making them more of an unstoppable force in transition.
Despite his impressive physical attributes, Thomas Partey is a highly intelligent and technical player who shines from a tactical standpoint above all.
