Arsenal Star Signing Has 'So Much More To Offer,' Pundit Says

Despite being halted by injuries this season, Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is still regarded as a talented player.

Former Arsenal academy and TV pundit for BT Sport Steve Sidwell, who was a co-commentator during the Gunners’ Europa League against Olympiacos Thursday, made an interesting remark about Partey.

According to Sidwell, injuries may have hindered Partey from meeting Arsenal’s expectations, but the former Atletico Madrid star certainly will be able to make his mark in the team when he’s healthy.

“We have only seen glimpses of how good he [Partey] can be as well,” Sidwell said. “He has got so much more to offer, pretty similar to how [Kieran] Tierney started, he had that injury, needs to build his confidence up, certainly loads more to come from Partey when he gets going.”

Partey was considered as one of the best midfielders in the Spanish top flight. His fine form saw an array of clubs monitoring his situation at Atletico Madrid before Arsenal finally secured his transfer.

The two-time Ghana Player of the Year was Arsenal’s summer transfer window deadline day’s signing in October. He joined the Gunners from Atleti for a fee of £45 million ($62 million) and was touted to become one of Mikel Arteta’s floor generals.

However, the 27-year-old was not able to impress due to injuries and has only played 14 games for Arsenal this season. Nevertheless, Gunners boss Arteta still believes Partey is close to reclaiming his old form.

According to Arteta, Partey has already shown his “quality,” and when given enough time to train with the team, can also find his rhythm as well.

“I think so,” Arteta told reporters when asked if he thought Partey was getting close to his best. “Rhythm-wise [Partey] he has struggled a little bit in the last few weeks because he hasn’t had enough training sessions or enough preparation because the league is so demanding.”

“But you can see his quality, you can see the presence and the special qualities he provides to the team when he is on the pitch,” he continued. “I think it is just a fact of playing more games, getting some chemistry and understanding with his team-mates and getting as fit as he possibly can.”

Arsenal is currently at the 10th spot in the Premier League standings and is set to face West Ham United on Sunday at London Stadium. Ahead of the match, Partey is expected to start for Arteta after having a good rest in midweek.