Arsenal: 3 vital tasks for Thomas Partey after injury return

3. Help Nurture Sambi Lokonga On and Off the Pitch

Already one before, Partey is now undoubtedly a senior member of this squad and someone the younger players in the team need to be able to turn to for advice.

Sambi is a perfect example of someone who could use the experience and knowledge of the 28-year-old.

Capable of playing both as a No. 6 and a more box-to-box option, the similarities between the pair are there. A progressive passer and a progressive carrier, his touches on the half-turn and range of distribution are a nod to that which his older teammate is known for.

But as mentioned, he has to work on the defensive side of his game.

Well versed in Diego Simeone’s dark arts of defending, there are few central midfielders who can offer tips on positioning and decision making those areas than the Ghanaian. Arteta will also lay claim to being a good mentor in that regard, but Partey will be the one on the pitch with him showing him the ropes.

There is great dynamism in that partnership; two players who can bounce off one another and due to Partey’s behind-the-ball ability being more destructive than Xhaka’s it can help free Sambi up to play slightly more advanced on the double pivot angle.

Partey will have a big role to play in Sambi’s development even if the Belgian has done brilliantly up until this point in his career.