Gilberto Silva has claimed that Thomas Partey is a ‘very good player’ for Arsenal, as he told talkSPORT.
The Highbury legend dominated that defensive midfield role when he donned the Arsenal colours and he thinks Partey is now a ‘massive’ presence for Mikel Arteta.
Injuries and needing to get back to full fitness have slightly stagnated Partey since he made his big-money move to Arsenal last summer.
But during the past few months, he has been back to his best, fully charged and the results are there for all to see.
It has been a long time since someone has been able to lock down that number six role for Arsenal.
But Partey has been showing the best signs that he is capable of running the ship from deep.
Silva shared that he likes what he sees from the 28-year-old and how it’s important he stays away from the treatment room.
“This position is very unique, as I have played there,” said Silva. “Partey is a very good player.
“The importance of him in the team is massive because of his presence in the team. Not only because of what he does on the field, but about the way he helps the others around him.
“This is the key for this position. You are there doing things not many players like to do.
“One run after the players to get the ball and then to give it to somebody else because some players want time on the ball. I hope he can stay fit. In the recent past, he struggled a bit with fitness and injuries.”
Not many would have predicted it at the start of the season, but there is a serious chance that Mikel Arteta’s side can secure Champions League football.
After losing their opening three matches, things looked even worse for the Gunners and it seemed as though the obvious was staring Arteta in the face.
But since Arsenal returned after the first international break of the new season, they have looked a different animal and are currently unbeaten in all competitions during that period.
It helps that when Partey is playing on a regular basis and Arteta is able to field the backline he wishes.
That has been the case with Aaron Ramsdale in between the sticks, new boys Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu, whilst Gabriel and Keiran Tierney are now being consistent performers.
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