Arsenal’s Partey reveals player he hopes to emulate in England

Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is aiming to emulate Michael Essien’s impressive career during his time in England.

After five seasons at Atletico Madrid, the 27-year-old moved to London after the Gunners were able to complete a £45 million (€50m/$58m), four-year deal with the option of an additional season.

And having been handed a spot in Arsenal’s starting XI for their Europa League opener against Rapid Vienna, he became the first Ghanaian player to start a competitive match for the Emirates Stadium giants since Emmanuel Frimpong in October 2012.

Partey is enjoying a bright start to life in Mikel Arteta’s squad, featuring in seven games across all competitions. Nevertheless, he is aspiring to follow in the footsteps of Ghanaian football icon Essien who dazzled during his time in England for Chelsea.

“He's a fantastic midfielder,” the midfielder told Arsenal.com.

“He fights for every ball, he's a great legend. For me, he's one of the best midfielders that we've ever had in Africa.

“I think we've all seen what he has done at Chelsea, what he has done for the Black Stars, and for me, he's my idol.

“I grew up watching Michael Essien, [Sulley] Muntari, the Ayew brothers - they are the people I look up to and they made a lot of impact on Ghanaians. I think this is my moment and I have to make sure I take it.”

After starring for Bastia and Olympique Lyon in the French league, Essien joined the Blues in 2005 for a fee worth £24.4 million, making him Chelsea’s most expensive signing at that time.

He spent nine years at Stamford Bridge, winning two Premier League titles, four FA Cups and a Champions League trophy during his spell in the European country, before moving to AC Milan after completing a loan move to Spanish giants Real Madrid.

Before Partey’s recent interview with the club website, he had expressed his wish to excel in both attack and defense like Essien and former Manchester City star Yaya Toure.

"I like to be both defensive and offensive. I know whenever I am in the opposite area, I have chances for a goal and I think defensively, I want to be stronger,” he told Sky Sports.

"I want to attack like Yaya Toure and defend like Michael Essien so to have both qualities is good.”