Arsenal: Let’s talk about the one Atletico Madrid man that we need

Arsenal were given the chance to spend the entire match on the front foot, which put Atletico Madrid in a shell. Except for one man, who was a tank.

Atletico Madrid do a lot of things well that Arsenal do rather poorly. They have a supreme keeper, which the Gunners do not have, and they play so incredibly disciplined at the back, which the Gunners fail miserably at.

There was a lot to watch for in this match. Jan Oblak, having been linked with the Gunners, was a key figure of interest, as he made countless superb saves to keep this game from getting out of hand and, as it turns out, to keep Atletico Madrid on the front foot.

Diego Godin is what I wish Laurent Koscielny was (minus the flopping). Calm, cool and never a doubt in his mind. He was brilliant in his capacity and I pray that we can find a defensive leader like that.

Related Story: 5 Things Learned Against Atletico Madrid

But none of this indicated someone that I really wanted to see come to Arsenal. Only a concept figure of what I wanted. Oblak is far more expensive than he is worth (it’s the truth) and Godin would not be for sale, nor do I think it is just the personnel that is responsible for the horrid defensive unit that we have put together.

It was Thomas Partey who won the day. That is, if the day was all about auditioning for a future with the Gunners.

More from Pain in the Arsenal

• 3 observations from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park
• 3 standout players from 1-0 victory over Everton
• 3 positives & negatives from Goodison Park victory
• Arsenal vs PSV preview: Prediction, team news & lineups
• 3 talking points from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park

Partey, or Thomas, rather, was a one-man wrecking crew. He was forced into a right back spot after the double-yellow to Vrsaljko and he was superb there in reading the flow of the game and snuffing out passes. He was the only Madrid man who played on his front foot during their passive time and it showed.

Then he later moved back to midfield where he continued his domination. On one run in particular, he drove straight through the Gunner’s defense, passed our entire midfield, and set up Griezmann for what should have been a goal.

All in all, he led the world in ball-winning plays with 11 and showed how much of a difference maker a single player can be.

He was everything we’ve wanted in a midfielder. Stick him next to Granit Xhaka and let these two have a field day for the next decade.

He has flown under the radar a bit as well, which may or may not play into our hands if, in this ideal world, we do pursue him.

Next: Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid Predicted Player Ratings

That said, even assuming we do get him, he’ll probably end up playing fullback. No wait, Arsene Wenger will be gone. Scratch that.