What a full debut for Arsenal new boy Thomas Partey.
The Ghana powerhouse earned a spot in Arsenal’s starting XI for the first time last night following a £45 million move from Atletico Madrid earlier this month.
And the 27-year-old dazzled throughout the Gunners’ 2-1 win away to Rapid Vienna on Europa League duty.
Partey managed a total of 102 touches [WhoScored] and finished the game with a pass success rate of 90 percent.
In addition to that, he also demonstrated his defensive power by completing five tackles – at least three more than any other Arsenal player last night – and winning four aerial duels.
And club legend Martin Keown has been gushing over his old side’s most recent acquisition, describing him as ‘so silky’ and comparing him to a certain Patrick Vieira.
He told BT Sport: “I think you know when you see a player immediately add that touch of class, who wants to play and makes things happen. He’s so silky smooth, he’s oozed class and been everywhere.
“This is where he looks like Vieira for me when he’s travelling with the ball and making things happen.”
Arsenal had been linked with a move for Partey since way back in March, but he certainly looks worth the weight.
The former Atleti star is a defensive midfielder by trade, but it would be a mistake to dismiss him as an old-fashioned water carrier.
There is genuine footballing and technical ability in those feet – four of his five long ball attempts reached its target – and it’s intriguing to see how much better he gets.
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