A strong argument can be made for almost every Arsenal starter to have a solid, if not spectacular, replacement either waiting in the wings or in the starting XI itself.
For instance, the ever-reliable Kieran Tierney can offer a more direct alternative to Oleksandr Zinchenko, in case the Ukrainian international is ever unavailable.
Similarly, Eddie Nketiah could come in for Gabriel Jesus and thrive when all eyes are on him, as he proved his mettle as a reliable goalscorer at the end of last season.
However, the same cannot be said in case Thomas Partey succumbs to injury or suspension for a sustained period.
While Mohamed Elneny keeps things ticking when afforded a start, he simply isn’t at the calibre of the Ghanaian midfielder, who virtually ticks every single box one is demanded to as a number six.
The backend of last season is the finest example of Arsenal minus Partey, whose injury had such a severe impact on the North Londoners that they miraculously failed to secure Champions League qualification right at the death.
With Mikel Arteta and Co. handing Elneny a one-year contract in the summer, while Xhaka being undeniably error-prone as the holding midfielder, an understudy capable of filling Partey’s boots in his absence is not within the side’s ranks.
In terms of just how much the 29-year-old brings to this Arsenal side as well as his profile, he simply remains an irreplaceable figure in the squad.
The former Atletico Madrid lynchpin is a rare breed of defensive midfielder that is blessed with sublime technical security, whilst having the engine to cover every blade of grass.
Physically as well, the La Liga champion is an absolute powerhouse, which makes him one of one as the sitting midfielder.
A staunch case can be put forth for Partey potentially being the most well-rounded defensive midfielder in the Premier League, alongside the likes of Rodri, Bruno Guimares and Casemiro this term.
With Granit Xhaka joining Martin Odegaard further up the pitch as well this season, while finding a new lease of life as an advanced No.8, the responsibility on Thomas Partey’s shoulders to screen the back four has increased exponentially.
Much like how Fernandinho operated as the lone pivot singlehandedly while David Silva and Kevin De Bruyne bombed forward during the ‘Centurions’ campaign, the Arsenal talisman has been instructed to take on a task at hand that most number sixes are asked not to.
In most cases, they are either considered not durable enough to perform said role, or simply paired with a partner in midfield.
However, Partey has adapted to his newfound role without breaking a sweat and is arguably playing the best football of his career currently.
And in terms of sheer quality as well, the Europa League champion is perhaps the club’s only genuine world-class player, alongside potentially the young Bukayo Saka.
Even a player that has had such a staggering impact to the Gunners’ rise such as William Saliba can still be replaced for a certain stretch, considering Ben White can simply shift to centre-back and thrive alongside Gabriel Magalhaes, as he did last term.
Can the same be said about Thomas Partey, in terms of finding a replacement at Arsenal anything remotely close to his calibre, class and raw profile? The answer is a resounding no.
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