‘Better than anybody’ – Arsenal best Midfielder named, and its not Declan Rice
Ex-striker Kevin Campbell has spoken highly of Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey, who has seen limited action this season due to injuries.
The Ghanaian player has played only five times in various competitions, with his last on-field appearance for the north London club dating back to early October when he came off the bench against Manchester City.
Nevertheless, it’s undeniable that when Thomas Partey is fully fit and performing at his peak, he stands out as a top-class midfielder.
The 30-year-old excels in seamlessly transitioning from defensive duties to contributing to the attack.
His versatility is evident as he adeptly guards the middle of the field, shielding Arsenal’s back four. Additionally, Partey showcases his ability to receive the ball in tight spaces, skillfully turning and advancing possession up the pitch.
Mikel Arteta has felt the absence of Partey significantly during a substantial portion of the ongoing campaign.
Despite Declan Rice’s impressive performance since joining Arsenal from West Ham United in the recent summer transfer window, the Spanish coach has heavily relied on him, expecting him to play almost every minute.
While Jorginho serves as a capable backup option, contributing valuable experience to the squad, he is not without his flaws as a player.
Similarly, Mohamed Elneny has faced injury challenges this season and falls short of the required standard for regular inclusion in a team with aspirations of winning titles.
The return of Thomas Partey and his active involvement in the second half of the season would undoubtedly be a significant boost for Arsenal. However, his exclusion from the Ghana squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, attributed to the severity of his current injury, indicates that he may not be available for Arsenal in the near future.
Complicating matters, the uncertainty surrounding Partey’s future at the Emirates Stadium has grown, with ongoing speculations linking him to a potential exit.
Given his inconsistent availability, it would be understandable if Mikel Arteta is considering parting ways with Partey to address the team’s needs more reliably.
However, according to former Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell, it is crucial not to overlook the undeniable quality that Thomas Partey brings as a player.
Speaking on Highbury Squad, he said, “we were licking our lips thinking of Declan Rice beside Thomas Partey, but because Thomas Partey wasn’t there and Declan Rice was doing such a great job, we didn’t miss him.”
“The fact of the matter is, when Thomas Partey is fit, he is a starter in our first 11. No matter what people say about he’s injury-prone and all this kind of thing, yeah he’s struggled with injury.”
“But, when he’s fit, there’s no better midfielder in that side, especially in the holding one, than Thomas Partey because the way Thomas Partey plays – Thomas Partey knows how to play that position better than anybody.”
Determining definitively whether Thomas Partey or Declan Rice is the superior player is challenging. Yet, factors such as Rice’s relative youth, unblemished injury record, and recent impressive form all make a compelling case for him being the future of the club. This has led to speculation that Partey’s prime time at the club may be in the past.
‘Better than anybody’ – Arsenal best Midfielder named, and its not Declan Rice