Graeme Souness has suggested in The Times that he is not getting carried away with Arsenal defensive midfielder Thomas Partey.
The Liverpool legend has praised Partey, but the Sky Sports pundit does not think that the Ghana international should be compared to Patrick Vieira just yet.
Partey joined Arsenal from Atletico Madrid in the summer of 2020 and was described by Gunners manager Mikel Arteta as “a dynamic midfielder with great energy” and as “a high quality player” on the club’s official website in October 2020.
The 27-year-old could return from injury against Tottenham Hotspur in the North London derby today, and some Arsenal fans are very excited at the prospect, as covered by HITC Sport here.
While Souness rates Partey, he thinks that comparison with Arsenal legend Vieira is premature and is not getting carried away by the hype over him.
Souness wrote in The Times: “Thomas Partey looks like he has been a good signing and his recent absences through injury clearly have not helped, but just because he plays in the same position, for the same club, and has the same type of game and physique does not make him Patrick Vieira 2.0.
“The France World Cup winner was arguably a once-in-a-generation player who performed to consistently high levels across close to a decade at Highbury. Partey is just starting out on his career in England.”
Important player for Arsenal
While Souness is right in not getting carried away with Partey, it is clear from his performances for Arsenal so far this season that he is a very good and dynamic midfielder who will play a big role in the Gunners’ quest for success this campaign and beyond.
According to WhoScored, the 27-year-old has made three starts and one substitute appearance in the Premier League and has played once in the Europa League for Arteta’s side.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
