Troy Deeney has found Mikel Arteta’s comments on Arsenal midfielder ‘interesting’

Follow us on Google Discover

Watford striker Troy Deeney gave his take on Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey on talkSPORT (7:35am, November 2, 2020).

Deeney was impressed by the performance of Partey during Arsenal’s 1-0 win against Manchester United away from home at Old Trafford in the Premier League on Sunday evening.

The Englishman also pointed out that a lot of thought and planning went into signing the Ghana international midfielder from Atletico Madrid in the summer transfer window.

Deeney highlighted what Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta recently said about the North London club targeting the 27-year-old for his attributes.

As quoted in Metro in October, Arteta said that Arsenal had identified Partey a while ago and had been “following his progress”, adding that the midfielder allows the Gunners “to play different formations and he can fit in within those formations in different positions, which is a really good thing to have in a squad where, in midfield”.

Deeney said about Partey on talkSPORT (7:35am, November 2, 2020): “It is interesting when you listen to Arteta talk about the characteristics that they were looking at before buying him.

“So they had identified the target area that they wanted and had gone and got the player. He was very good at Atletico. He was really good (against Manchester United).

“He is giving the defence that confidence that there is going to be someone to cover all the time. He is a big powerful boy. He can play as well.”

Good signing for Arsenal

Partey played well for Arsenal against United and was arguably the best player on the pitch.

According to WhoScored, Partey took one shot which was on target, had a pass accuracy of 93%, won one header, took 79 touches, attempted three dribbles, and made four tackles, two interceptions and one clearance.

The midfielder protects the defence and also drives the team forward, and his energy and reading of the game is brilliant.

The Ghana international is at the top of his game at the age of 27, and he will play a big role in Arsenal’s quest to finish in the top four of the Premier League table this season.