Arsenal legend Ray Parlour believes that the Gunners might have found the next Patrick Vieira. Though the real test lies ahead.
Thomas Partey will potentially become Arsenal’s next Patrick Vieira according to Ray Parlour. Evidently, the Ghana international will have the task of controlling big games for the Gunners.
Subsequently, Arsenal made a move for Partey from Atletico Madrid for £45 million.
Moreover, Mikel Arteta’s side displayed a fabulous performance in the opening fixture of the Europa League. Arsenal beat Rapid Vienna 2-1 on Thursday night in the Austrian capital
Furthermore, Partey received acclamations following his work in the midfield for the Gunners. And now, he is already compared to Arsenal legend Vieira.
A reincarnation.
In addition, Parlour believes that the 27-year-old will manage to build a reputation in the club. However, he also thinks that the midfielder will face tough challenges during the course of time.
Parlour told talkSPORT: “You can see he has got all the attributes to be like a Patrick Vieira. If he gets anywhere near Patrick Vieira we have had the right result as an Arsenal fan!
“They knew what they were buying there – a very strong player that we lacked in that area – but let’s not get carried away, let’s give him a chance.
“Let’s wait until we are playing the big sides like Manchester City, Liverpool, and see if he can boss midfield then. If he can do it then, then we can say we have got a proper player here.”
Additionally, Arsenal did not include the likes of Partey in the whole squad.
Nevertheless, the Gunners midfield has not seen a strong midfielder in a long time. And, it will require tremendous efforts for the Ghanian to sustain that position.
“He’s a really good presence,” Parlour added. “I don’t think they have had that in midfield. They haven’t been mobile enough over the last few years, but he’s that man to fill in all the gaps.
“He’s six foot one, he’s got that presence, he’s got that mobility in the midfield area.
“When they started flooding people forward trying to get back into the game [against Rapid Vienna], he was the one that just sat in midfield and made everything tick.
“He’s very efficient and had a really good start to his Arsenal career. He could be a really big signing for Arsenal going forward because they have missed someone like him in that midfield area for many years.”
Partey will hope to make it to the starting XI for Arsenal yet again. Arteta’s men will clash against Brendon Rodger’s Leicester City this weekend at Emirates Stadium.
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