Ex-Arsenal midfielder, Gilberto Silva has heaped praises on Ghana Black Stars deputy skipper, Thomas Partey.
The 28-year-old joined the Gunners from Spanish La Liga club, Atletico Madrid in a deal worth €45 million last season. Partey has seen a steady rise in performance but has often grappled with recurrent injury.
An injury forced him to miss Ghana’s penultimate 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Ethiopia at the Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg and the final clash against South Africa in Cape Coast. Ghana drew 1-1 against Ethiopia before managing a slim 1-0 victory without Partey.
That notwithstanding, Partey has been praised by Brazilian Silva who believes the Ghanaian has so far discharged his duties equitably.
“This position is very unique, as I have played there,” said Silva to TalkSport as quoted by HITC.
“Partey is a very good player.
“The importance of him in the team is massive because of his presence in the team. Not only because of what he does on the field, but about the way he helps the others around him.
“This is the key for this position. You are there doing things not many players like to do.
“One run after the players to get the ball and then to give it to somebody else because some players want time on the ball. I hope he can stay fit. In the recent past, he struggled a bit with fitness and injuries.” Gilberto Silva said.
Thomas Partey played two games in Ghana’s 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers – scoring two goals in each of the double header against Zimbabwe in Cape Coast and Harare respectively.
He missed Ghana’s two opening games against Ethiopia at the Cape Coast Stadium and South Africa at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg.
Partey has played seven matches for Arsenal this season, registering just a goal.
He gathered 188 games in La Liga with Atletico Madrid, scoring 16 goals with 12 assists.
