If they go through with the transfer, Arsenal might be making one of the worst mistakes in recent memory. This is Thomas Partey.
During the 2022–2023 English Premier League season, Partey led the Gunners to a second-place finish, which qualified them for the Champions League once again.
In spite of this, the club was willing to consider bids for their rock-solid midfielder Thomas Partey. Partey once again demonstrated why he is an essential figure in the Arsenal set-up following a magnificent performance in the heart of the Gunners' midfield against Barcelona in pre-season play.
The Ghanaian midfielder thoroughly dominated the midfield battle against Barcelona, who fielded Ilkay Gundogan, who captained Manchester City's treble-winning team, Franck Kessie, and Oriol Romeu, who won the Champions League with Chelsea.
His presence in the midfield brought calm and stability to Arsenal's play, which was a sharp contrast to the disjointed performance that resulted against Manchester United a couple of days before. His presence in the middle gave serenity and stability to Arsenal's play.
In the preseason match against Barcelona, Thomas Partey turned in a performance that was nothing short of brilliant, solidifying his status as one of the very greatest players at his position.
All of these things, however, would have been wishful thinking if the club had pursued Declan Rice at the same time as they explored moving the player who had previously played for Atletico Madrid.
According to FourFourTwo, several clubs in Saudi Arabia and Italy have shown interest in purchasing him, despite the fact that his performances have been quite remarkable. Arsenal have stated that they are open to selling him.
Many people were astonished by Mikel Arteta's consideration of releasing Partey, especially in light of the player's strong contributions during the previous season, during which he appeared in 33 games and scored three goals.
On the other hand, it would appear that the Spanish coach has had a change of heart after seeing the 30-year-old player's superb performance on Thursday, July 27. It is not an overstatement to suggest that Partey is an important and necessary component of his team's setup.
This week on Sports Brief, we take a look at the reasons why allowing Thomas to leave the Emirates would be like scoring an own goal for Arsenal.
Rice versus Partey. Declan.
We are able to examine the similarities and differences between these two midfielders by using the Player Comparison Tool that Opta provides.
With an average of 2.5 successful tackles each game, Thomas Partey has a tiny edge over his English counterpart, Declan Rice, who averages 2.2 successful tackles per game.
In addition, Partey's physical presence and strength give him the upper hand in successful duels, giving him a 0.1 advantage and a success rate of 58.7% respectively.
Partey continues to maintain a higher average of 9.1 carries per 90 minutes, thus increasing the gap between himself and Rice, who records 8.7 carries every game.
Rice, on the other hand, scores better than Partey in two categories: interceptions and passing accuracy. His passing accuracy is 88.1%, which is higher than Partey's 88.0%, and he throws for an average of 1.7 interceptions a game, while Partey throws for an average of 1.0.
Comparative Parameters of Thomas Partey Declan Rice 2.5
Tackles
2.2
88.0
Accuracy in Passing (Expressed as a Percentage)
88.1
58.7
Duel success (%)
58.6
1.0
Interceptions
1.7
9.1
Progressive carries
8.7
Competitors: Partey and Jorginho
How does the Ghanaian compare to Jorginho, who played the midfield position during his time at Chelsea? Thomas Partey, a Ghanaian midfielder, is superior to Jorginho, a former Chelsea player who played in the same position, according to all of the metrics that were measured.
Partey surpasses Jorginho in a number of categories, including successful tackles, successful duels, progressive carries, interceptions, and accurate passing.
He has a distinct advantage over the Italian midfielder because to the breadth and depth of his skill set as well as his physical features.
Comparison Criteria for Thomas Partey Jorginho, Score: 2.5
Tackles
1.9
88.0
Accuracy in Passing (Expressed as a Percentage)
87.6
58.7
Duel success (%)
52.7
1.0
Interceptions
1.0
9.1
Progressive carries
8.8
Partey against Odegaard
If we look at Thomas Partey, who is 30 years old, and compare him to Martin Odegaard, who is the captain of Arsenal, we see that Partey, who is the dominant force in all facets of the game.
In light of the fact that Partey is a more valuable asset than Odegaard, it is puzzling as to why the club is not making an effort to actively oppose interest in their prized possession.
Thomas demonstrates his value to the club by contributing defensively, being a muscular presence, and controlling the general play in the middle.
This is Thomas Partey.
Comparative Criteria and Measures
Martin Odegaard
2.5
Tackles
1.0
88.0
Accuracy in Passing (Expressed as a Percentage)
84.0
58.7
Duel success (%)
44.1
1.0
Interceptions
0.2
9.1
Progressive carries
5.3
Barnes is taken aback by the current circumstances at Arsenal Party.
Earlier, it was claimed by Sports Brief that former Liverpool winger John Barnes is astonished to hear that Arsenal is considering unloading their Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey. Barnes is a member of the Arsenal squad.
It would come as a surprise to me if Arsenal were to move Thomas Partey because I believe he is the team's greatest defensive midfield player. According to Football Ghana's report, he posed the question to Futfanatico, "Is it a personality thing with Partey?"