Alan Smith has noted in his column for Sky Sports that Mikel Arteta can establish a more promising future at Arsenal with Thomas Partey offering a key presence in his midfield.
The former Gunners striker feels Partey can be a vital part of Arteta’s plans by protecting the defence. The Ghanaian locking down the holding role will also then allow Arsenal’s more creative operators greater freedom to create chances.
Partey has scarcely been available for Arteta so far this term after sustaining ankle ligament damage in pre-season. He made his return to Premier League action after the international break as a substitute against Norwich. Then making his first start as Arsenal won at Burnley.
Arteta risked Partey missing Sunday’s north London derby with Tottenham by fielding him in Arsenal’s Carabao Cup win over Wimbledon. Per football.london, the 28-year-old asked to play on Wednesday to help fine tune his game ahead of facing Spurs.
Smith ponders Arteta team selection in key area
Smith notes Partey suffered with various problems during his debut year at Arsenal after a £45m transfer from Atletico Madrid. But the player-turned-pundit has no doubt that he can offer Arteta a key presence, and hopes this season sees the £200k-a-week enforcer kick on.
“Partey was always a vital cog in the machine,” Smith wrote. “He had a disappointing time last year. I don’t know why or what was going on, but physically he didn’t look right. He looked shattered at times in matches. But hopefully now he’s set for a good season. He’s a fine player, there’s no doubt about that.
“It will be interesting what kind of shape and line-up Arteta sees around him in the middle of the park. But if you’ve got that holding presence and you’ve got those creative players just ahead – and Arsenal have got plenty of those in Emile Smith Rowe, Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka – it begins to look promising.
“I think you then go into matches a lot more optimistic. The middle ground is always a key battle area in any match, and Arsenal have got to try and hold their own in there. So it’s about getting that balance right.”
Partey must put injury problems behind him at Arsenal
Arsenal need to see Partey put his injury problems behind him and kick on this season, like Smith hopes. Arteta was only able to call on the 30-cap midfielder to play 24, starting 18, Premier League games last term. Missing spells out with hip and hamstring problems.
Arteta will fear Partey enduring yet another injury-ravished campaign at the Emirates after his turbulent start to the season. He was also lacking fitness against Burnley last week, but showed promise with his work on and off the ball.
Partey continued on his path back to form against Wimbledon and the powerful midfielder helped take control of the game. He looked solid as the deepest option in the engine room, just as Smith believes he can serve as a key part of Arteta’s plans if he stays fit this season.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
