Thomas Partey has the ability to bring the best out of Mesut Ozil, and he was an “absolute steal” for Arsenal.
That is the opinion of Gunners legend Paul Merson.
Partey has impressed since joining Arsenal for £45m from Atletico Madrid in the summer.
The Ghanian has been at the centre of a complete reshaping of Mikel Arteta’s midfield.
Partey arrived at the club with big expectations on his shoulders in defence and attack, and he has so far delivered at both ends of the pitch.
Arsenal appear to be much more organised at the back with Partey guarding them.
Their goal tally has also risen since he was handed a regular starting place.
However, Arteta may have missed a trick by not including Ozil in his 25-man squad as Partey could have helped the German excel once again, according to Merson.
“They’ve got that player now,” Merson told Sky Sports. “Before you looked and you thought ‘not good enough in midfield’.
“You’ve got Xhaka and whoever it might be playing with him. They haven’t got that pass, and they play deep, and it’s just workman-like.
“I can’t speak highly enough of him. When they said Partey looks like he’s going to Arsenal for £45m, I thought ‘am I missing a trick here?’
“He could play for anyone, I look at Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool.
“I can't speak highly enough of him, it's an absolute steal for Arsenal.
“It's a shame that Ozil can't play because I think he opens up the space for Ozil.”
