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Arsenal vs Olympiacos: Thomas Partey admission sends warning

By Ross Kennerley

BURNLEY, ENGLAND - MARCH 06: Thomas Partey of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Burnley and Arsenal at Turf Moor on March 6, 2021 in Burnley, United Kingdom. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
BURNLEY, ENGLAND - MARCH 06: Thomas Partey of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Burnley and Arsenal at Turf Moor on March 6, 2021 in Burnley, United Kingdom. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images) /
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Arsenal have had Thomas Partey on their books for five months and have only seen the £45m signing from Atletico Madrid at 100% on two occasions. There may be a third against Olympiacos on Thursday.

That is no observation, but an admission from the Ghanaian when speaking to the press ahead of Thursday’s colossal Europa League last-16 tie with the Greek champions in Athens.

A player with a sparkling clean injury record has seemingly slotted into the shoes made vacant by Abou Diaby, with injury issues galore stunting his progress. Coming up to 20 games missed already in red and white, everyone connected to the club eagerly awaits the true ‘arrival’ of Thomas Partey.

Yet to play three 90 minutes consecutively for the Gunners, the 27-year-old is due to start his second game on the spin in what will be the most important fixture he’ll have featured in as an Arsenal player.

Arsenal vs Olympiacos: Thomas Partey admission sends warning to Thursday’s Europa League last 16 opponents

Forging an increasingly strong relationship in the heart of midfield alongside Granit Xhaka, their alliance in that zone is no longer an area of grave concern. Not perfect, and perhaps never to be perfect, it’s nonetheless the best option Mikel Arteta has. The signs are there.

To have succeeded in demonstrating his outstanding talent in spite of the niggling setbacks and lack of full fitness merits his reputation and price tag, and he’s only just beginning.

"“I had a few games, against Man United and against Wolves [where I was 100%], and I was able to show what I can do,” Partey told the official Arsenal website. “Due to less games and less training, I have to keep working and have to keep trying to get back to that level of performance.“I think this is just the start. I’m starting to get used to how my mates play, how the Premier League goes and with time everything will be good.”"

While Thursday may not be the best showcase yet of who he can rise to be, it constitutes a step forward in his integration.

Next. Olympiacos vs Arsenal preview. dark

Partey was signed as an elite player. Someone who feasts on facing top-level opposition on the grandest of stages. That sublime display at Old Trafford offered a brief taster. Olympiacos can be the main course he is yet to dish up.

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