In recent months, Thomas Partey has taken on an immense presence in the Arsenal midfield, becoming a significant and necessary member of Mikel Arteta's starting eleven.
The man who has been looming in the shadows over the past few weeks has confirmed that he has finally assumed the dimension that all the fans expected of him, namely that of a leader in the midfield alongside Granit Xhaka.
On 5 October 2020, Premier League club Arsenal announced the signing of Partey on a long-term contract, after activating his £45 million (€50 million) release clause with Atlético Madrid. The Black Stars midfielder had a difficult first season in the Premier League he was often injured. Partey made his debut for Arsenal as a substitute for Granit Xhaka in a 0–1 away defeat in the league against Manchester City on 17 October 2020.
Thomas Partey has swept away the few concerns that remained since the start of the 2022-2023 football season. The Ghanaian international is without a doubt one of the Premier League's top midfielders this season. If Arsenal is leading the English Premier League and appears to be on the verge of winning a 14th title, it is thanks in part to the Black Star midfielder.
His presence in the center of the field relieves Xhaka and gives the Swiss considerably more offensive flexibility.
Above all, Thomas Partey is the one who controls the tempo of Arsenal's game, the first spearhead of this squad, who, with his clear vision of the game, allows Arsenal to orient the game properly or break lines when necessary.
Defensively, he certainly took on a massive scope by cutting several attacks, whether through tackles or reading of the game.
More broadly, the loss of Thomas Partey on the field was felt in the game, and the movement of Arsenal, which was more difficult without him.
All of these factors combine to make Thomas Partey an indispensable player in Mikel Arteta's system.