Arsenal legend Paul Merson was not impressed with Mikel Arteta’s decision to start Thomas Partey at right-back against Nottingham Forest last weekend.
While Arsenal were able to win the game 2-1, Merson was not delighted to see Thomas Partey playing in defence.
In his column for Sportskeeda, Merson wrote: “I didn’t like the fact that Thomas Partey started at right-back ahead of Takehiro Tomiyasu.”
Though he was playing at left-back before being taken off injured, Jurrien Timber can also fulfil the right-back role.
However, with the Dutch youngster set for a long spell on the sidelines, it means Partey could be in for more minutes in defence.
As as well Partey and Timber, Arteta also has Tomiyasu and Ben White who can play at right-back.
Thomas Partey faces a battle getting into Arsenal’s midfield this season
Coming in at right-back could be a way for Partey to get minutes this term.
You suspect that the 30-year-old, who has been described as “unbelievable” by Yaya Toure, is not going to start every game in midfield in the 2023/24 campaign.
The Gunners have spent a lot of money on Declan Rice and Kai Havertz, so they are likely to get the nod over Partey.
Of course, Havertz is naturally a forward, so Arteta may decide to utilise him in attack and keep him there later down the line. If not, then Partey could find himself in a bit of trouble.
There is also captain Martin Odegaard, who takes up another spot in Arsenal’s midfield, so Partey really does have a fight on his hands.
With all of that being said, there are plenty of games to play, while Arteta’s men have made a return to the Champions League. The Spaniard is going to have to rotate his squad at times, which should give his Ghana international the opportunity to play in his preferred position.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
