Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey enjoyed another solid game against Manchester United on Saturday afternoon, and Roy Keane believes he’ll go on to be a “big player” in years to come.
Partey signed on transfer deadline day last summer after the Gunners forked out £45million to trigger the release clause in his Atletico Madrid contract.
Since joining, the Ghanaian midfielder has had his time at the club disrupted by a hip injury, but he has now worked his way back into the team.
And Keane believes Partey will continue to be a key fixture in the side, and ranted about how important his performances are for the team.
Partey plays as a defensive-minded midfielder who breaks up play and always looks to make a forward pass. His defensive workrate is impeccable, and he has shown he has the ability to move the ball up the pitch when needed.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Keane – who played in a similar position to Partey during his playing career – discussed his worth to the team now he has recovered from his injury issues.
“He came in on transfer deadline day, so he never got quite up to speed, so it wasn’t a surprise that he got injured.
"He’s going to be a big player for Arsenal over the next few years.
“His track record... he’s used to playing in the biggest games, we know the important role in the middle of the park for Arsenal, they’ve lacked the physical presence.
"I’ve got no doubt that if he stays fit - which we’ll probably see more of next season - then he’ll be a big player for Arsenal.”
Keane’s sentiment was echoed by Jamie Carragher, who declared Partey is a “real midfielder” and will be a star man going forward.
"I’ve been really impressed with him, I think everyone has," he said.
“I think off the back of that performance (against Manchester United away), Arsenal supporters and even the manager, looked like they had a real midfielder."
