Mikel Arteta has intimated that he won’t be using Thomas Partey in the same vein that Atletico Madrid did, prior to his £45 million move to Arsenal in October.
The Gunners spent a hefty amount on the Ghana international earlier this season but injuries have limited him to only five Premier League starts.
His comeback game came in the 3-0 win over Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium on Monday night, playing 67 minutes.
Partey arrived in North London as a defensive midfielder but Arteta – who played a similar position himself during his time at Arsenal – has revealed that the 27-year-old has a lot more strings to his bow that he’d like to utilise.
He told Arsenal’s official website: “Yes, he can [have more attacking freedom here than at Atletico Madrid], technically he is more than capable of doing that and he’s great in both transitional moments as well.”
Even before his injury, it was clear that Arteta had grander plans for the big man.
Arsenal beat Manchester United in November and in that game Partey clearly showcased a lot of the same technical and passing ability that his Spanish coach has alluded to.
And let’s face it, despite being on the crest of a wave and winning four of their last five Premier League games, the North Londoners do need creation from midfield.
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