Former Ghana midfielder Michael Essien has heaped praise on compatriot Thomas Partey following his performance for Arsenal at the weekend.
There was plenty of cause for celebration as the Gunners picked up their first away win against a traditional top six side since 2015 with a 1-0 victory over Manchester United, a game in which Partey stood out.
The deadline day summer signing joined Arsenal with the heavy weight of expectation thrust upon his shoulders. As a physical defensively-orientated holding midfielder, Partey was expected to have an impact screening the defence. He did not come cheaply to the Emirates either; the Gunners activated a £45m release clause to secure his signing.
While the Gunners had previously lost their last two Premier League matches, many Arsenal fans and manager Mikel Arteta had been impressed by the Ghana midfielder’s efforts.
Chelsea hero Michael Essien – who won two Premier League titles, three FA Cups and the Champions League at Stamford Bridge – expects Partey to thrive at Arsenal whilst he extended his support to his fellow Ghanaian.
“I know him, I have seen him play a couple of times and we do talk now and then,” the 37-year-old Essien revealed in an interview with Goal. “If he has any questions, he can always contact me for my thoughts – except when he plays Chelsea.
“But I wish him well and I am looking forward to seeing him do very well for Arsenal. They have made a great signing by bringing my countryman to take on the Premier League.
“He is more of a typical No.6 than me. He is very good on the ball, wins duels, has good speed, reads the danger well and he is a very complete midfielder.
“When I arrived in England, Arsenal were very tough, with Gilberto Silva and a great midfield, so it was a tough team to play against. But I think the Arsenal I played towards the end of my career could have done with a player like Thomas Partey.
“I think it is a great move for him too, though. Arsenal is a great club. The Premier League is also brilliant, so it will help him to improve his game as well.”
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Essien’s endorsement is a huge boost for Partey’s reputation. He has attracted widespread praise so far, so now the key is to maintain the early standards that he has set.
Partey will likely need to continue his displays as a central midfield stalwart if the Gunners are to continue picking up landmark results such as yesterday’s.
