Arsenal legend Ray Parlour told talkSPORT that Thomas Partey would be the defensive midfielder in his Premier League Team of the Season so far.
The veteran also went on to emphasise that the Ghanaian international’s fitness remains vital if Mikel Arteta’s side aim to sustain a title challenge.
Partey is Arsenal’s glue that keeps things together
While missing 3 games in the league due to a thigh problem, the typically injury-prone 29-year old has largely been fit for the Gunners, which has uncoincidentally coincided with the side being in terrific form in the ongoing campaign.
As opposed to previous seasons, an argument can be made that Thomas Partey has had to do a two-man job in the middle of the park.
With Granit Xhaka finding a new lease of life in a more advanced role, it has been all on the former Atletico Madrid anchor to screen Arsenal’s back four and so far, he is yet to put a foot wrong.
The La Liga winner’s defensive solidity and incredible engine is complimented by his technical excellence, which makes him so crucial to the league leaders.
Parlour lauds Partey
On talkSPORT, Ray Parlour picked Thomas Partey as his go-to holding midfielder in his Premier League Team of the Season, while emphasizing that his presence is key to the side becoming Premier League champions.
“I think [Thomas] Partey has been so important. If Arsenal are going to go anywhere near trying to win a title, he’s got to stay fit because last season, he had so many injuries.”
“But he’s been real instrumental in that midfield, just keeping it ticking over, very efficient player, can get around the pitch, very mobile. So Partey’s my holding [midfield] player.”
It’s hard to disagree with Ray Parlour, as Thomas Partey is at the epicentre of this Arsenal’s side magnificence.
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