Arsenal: 3 different Thomas Partey midfield partners to target

Thomas Partey struggled last season at the base of the Arsenal midfield. The saga of his transfer, the last minute move, injuries and an underperforming squad set him up to fail. This season, he will be looking to bounce back in a big way.

Partey has joined up for pre-season and the reduced amount of games next season leads fans to hope that injuries will be few and far between.

While less physical strain should ensure that Partey can start, what he does with his time on the field is crucial to Arsenal’s success.

Flashes of brilliance were seen throughout this past campaign but it is paramount that Mikel Arteta extracts consistency from his midfield gem. Finding a player complementary to the Ghanaian should be at the top of the shopping list. While pre-season matches mean precious little, when the 28-year-old came on against Hibernian that unavoidable gulf in class became clear once again.

Arsenal: 3 different Thomas Partey midfield partners to target this summer transfer window with Granit Xhaka leaving

The jump up from an Ainsley Maitland-Niles or a Mohamed Elneny to Partey is a frightening leap. He desperately needs a quality options alongside him.

Here are three such players that can get the best out of Partey. And, as noticeable, they are all different profiles which highlights the midfielder’s versatility in the centre of the park.

1. Kalvin Phillips – Leeds

Kalvin Phillips has been the standout performer in an exhilarating Leeds side. He lit up the stage in the Championship and there were doubts over whether his ability would translate to England’s top flight but he has has dispelled all fears and has impressed both home and opposition fans alike.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side is based on a man-to-man pressing system with players pushed forward and attacking at every possible opportunity. This can leave the midfield isolated to counter-attacks, however, Phillip has shown ability both on and off the ball with outstanding energy.

Only Jorginho ran more than him at the European Championships.

Excellent fitness blends with defensive nous and a wide ranging of passing. He has been simply outstanding for Bielsa.

Dazzling England fans with his performances at the Euros it’s clear that the big stage does not seem to shake his confidence, and his composure is clear to see on the pitch. Phillips is also the right age profile that Arsenal should be targeting. While he’s not exactly a kid at 25, he is in his prime. He can elevate the midfield in the here and now while continuing to develop.

Bringing Premier League experience, he’d help unlock Partey‘s yet to be fully unleashed box-to-box side. He wouldn’t come anywhere close to cheap, though, and is he a Leeds boy for life? Worth finding out.