5 players impacted by Thomas Partey move
MADRID, SPAIN – FEBRUARY 23: (BILD ZEITUNG OUT) Thomas Teye Partey of Atletico de Madrid controls the ball during the Liga match between Club Atletico de Madrid and Villarreal CF at Wanda Metropolitano on February 23, 2020, in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Alejandro Rios/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
Arsenal are making a strong move for Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey. Here are five players who would be impacted by his arrival.
This week, Thomas Partey’s father, Jacob Partey, confirmed that his son is in discussions with Arsenal regarding a transfer from Atletico Madrid. “I called my son after hearing the rumours and he told me that the rumours are true,” he told Tru FM’s Sports World Show. “He told me they are holding talks between him and Arsenal. It all depends on the offer Atletico are demanding. If he goes to Arsenal fine, they have a lot of supporters in Ghana. I will be happy if he decides to move to Arsenal. What they are discussing now is how Atletico will release him.” But what does this news mean for the players already at the club and how could Partey’s impact their futures?
Here are five players who are most impacted by the potential Partey transfer.
LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 07: Mesut Ozil of Arsenal reacts during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and West Ham United at Emirates Stadium on March 07, 2020, in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images)
5. Mesut Ozil
Mikel Arteta has built the team around the creative talents of Mesut Ozil. The German international has certainly responded to this role of responsibility in regards to his commitment and work-rate, but the high-level performances are no longer present. Since Arteta he took over, he has provided just one goal and one assist despite starting every Premier League game.
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Partey’s arrival could go two ways for Ozil. Should Arteta continue with the 4-2-3-1 shape that Ozil can flourish in, the Atletico midfielder could unlock his best. His 7.21 progressive passes per 90 minutes ranks eighth of midfielders in La Liga. Sergio Busquets only plays 6.95 progressive passes per 90. Partey has the distribution to find Ozil in pockets of space between the opposition ranks, which is where his creative talents come to the fore.
Conversely, Partey also offers Arteta the chance to pivot to a 4-3-3 shape with an inverted central midfield (one holding midfielder instead of two holding midfielders). Ozil no longer has the legs to play in a deeper box-to-box role. He needs the stability of a double-pivot. Should Arteta use Partey’s exceptional defensive capabilities to turn to the 4-3-3, Ozil could be out of the starting XI.
