Paul Merson believes Thomas Partey is ‘just getting started’ at Arsenal after an impressive start to his season. But the Gunners hero still worries the Ghanaian cannot stay injury free.
Partey has held a restricted role in the north Londoners’ table-topping start to the Premier League campaign. Mikel Arteta was without the 29-year-old for three fixtures between the end of August and the start of September. He missed almost a month due to a tight thigh.
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While he did not miss any top-flight fixtures, Partey also returned early from international duty in September due to injury. Ghana and Arsenal agreed for the midfielder to return to England after sitting out his nation’s friendly with Brazil after suffering a knock to his knee.
Partey was initially due to start against Brazil but withdrew from the game prior to kick-off. His early return to north London might have then allowed the 40-cap anchor to start in the north London derby. Partey also played a vital role as Arsenal beat Liverpool last weekend.
The Reds’ visit to the Emirates Stadium returned Partey’s sixth start and appearance of the Premier League season so far. He could only start in 23 of his 24 outings last term due to a variety of fitness problems. Injuries also held Partey to start 18 of his 24 games in 2020/21.
Partey is ‘just getting started’ but Merson fears the Arsenal star’s injuries
Having only played 24 fixtures during each of his two Premier League seasons since joining Arsenal, Merson continues to fear for Partey’s fitness. But if the £45m anchor does stay fit, the Gunners hero has told Sky Sports News (15/10, 12:10) that he will only become better.
“I think he needs to stay fit,” Merson said. “This is the problem, him staying fit game after game. The thing is, he’s a holding midfielder and he probably played in one of the most disciplined football teams in the whole of football in Atletico Madrid.
“So, he knows he ain’t going anywhere. He does his job to the best. He’s always behind everybody else, he’s always looked at the other midfield players. For me, I thought he was a great signing when he first come, I really did.
“I know he hasn’t really got started, he’s just getting started now. But he’s a disciplined holding midfield player. You’re not going to really see him in the six-yard box tapping balls in. That’s not really his job. He knows his thing.”
Partey was one of Arteta’s leading lights as Arsenal beat Liverpool 3-2 last week to stay at the top of the Premier League table. His composure in the press was vital over the closing stages to keep the Reds out. He also scored a superb goal to help beat Tottenham Hotspur.
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