6 Arsenal alternatives for Thomas Partey in midfield

Miguel Azeez

This lad will be playing top-level football for the rest of his career. That might be a bold statement were it not for everyone who watches him to be enamoured by his style. Basing himself on his idol Sergio Busquets, he isn’t of the overly defensive mould one might think.

Sometimes opting to field a midfield diamond, Steve Bould’s Under-23 side will have Tim Akinola sitting with the added protection of Miguel Azeez, but still allowing him to support in attack where he possesses a wicked shot.

If he were to play alongside Xhaka the the 18-year-old would be given greater license to push up a few yards and help sustain forward movements, as his distribution either side or through the middle is extremely impressive for someone his age.

By all accounts he still fits more into the No. 6 mould, but his surprising technical ability and sudden bursts of pace will be welcome attributes to Arsenal in the years to come. Of all the players coming through the academy ranks, he’s surely top of the list to be next.

Depending on how this season pans out, it would be great for Azeez to earn a few minutes even if the signs point more towards involvement in pre-season ahead of a season-long loan elsewhere. For now he’s carrying a knock and missed the last two Under-23 fixtures.

His time will come.