A former Atletico Madrid youth coach has revealed how Thomas Partey was a bigger prospect that even David de Gea, and backed him to succeed at Arsenal.
Against all expectations, Arsenal did the unthinkable in signing Partey from Atletico Madrid. The Gunners deposited his €50m release clause to LaLiga and signed him up before Monday’s transfer deadline had passed.
The 27-year-old joined Atletico in 2011 from local club Odometah in his native Ghana. He started in the reserves before spending time on loan at Mallorca and Almeria. Since 2015, Thomas had been a regular member of Diego Simeone’s set-up in the Spanish capital.
Now Javi Banos, who worked with Partey along with many prestigious young talents for Atletico, has offered a fresh perspective on the midfielder’s potential.
“Atletico Madrid always have strong players in their youth teams,” the former youth coach told Sky Sports.
“Over the years I was fortunate enough to coach guys like Lucas Hernandez and David de Gea. But the truth is that Thomas was a player who made the difference. He had great potential.”
On what Arsenal can expect from Partey, Banos said: “I have always said that he is a perfect player for the Bundesliga or the Premier League because of his style of play.
“He is a player who is ready and well-suited to succeed at a club like Arsenal.”
Banos added: “I think the thing he has improved most in recent years is his final pass.
“He is not just a defensive midfielder. He is now a more adventurous player, with freedom in his movements and scoring ability.”
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