Ex Arsenal legend Gilberto Silva heaps praises on Thomas Partey, says He makes Granit Xhaka and other players look good

The arrival of Thomas Partey from Atletico Madrid seems to have brought steal in the midfield department of the Gunners.

If you recall that the Gunners completed the transfer of the defensive midfielder for 45m pounds from Atletico Madrid in the summer window of 2020.

Although, injuries haven't given the fans opportunity to further watch the talent of Partey in the midfield for Arsenal.

But former Arsenal star Gilberto Silva has heaped praised on Thomas Partey. The Brazilian went ahead to the him as the best holding midfielder they have had since his departure in 2008.

Over the weekend, Arsenal came from going a goal down to be a their rival Tottenham Hotspur at Emirates stadium and Thomas Partey influenced the game for Mikel Arteta side. 

The Ghana international was in the holding role as he made intersections as well as blocks to prevent Spurs counter attacks. 

According to Silva, Partey makes his midfield partner Granit Xhaka good on and off the ball as well his defenders. 

While speaking to Stadium Astro, he said: 'I guess so. In my opinion, I agree with you. He's a good player. He's the type of player Arsenal were missing, I've spoken a couple of times about it.

'They have good players in the [central midfield] position but not to sit and give Arsenal the stability they have.' 

Gilberto Silva was part of the Arsenal's Invisibles in the 2003/2004 season. He went ahead to praise the former Atletico Madrid for his performance against Tottenham. 

He added: 'Look at the game [against Spurs] it was great to see how he managed his game, how he managed that position, helping [team-mates].

'You know what is very important about this particular position? This is a very particular position because not every time you get the credit you deserve.

'That's okay, it's fine, because you have to understand that. But this guy, when he understands the position like Partey, look at his game. He made the others a lot better.

'He makes Xhaka look better in the game, he made the defenders look a lot better and comfortable when the ball was against them.

'I think the way he manages games, the way he positions himself, is very important for Arsenal. He is the kind of player Arsenal have needed for quite a long time in my opinion.'

Arsenal are currently 10th in the Premier League table but are now four points behind 7th placed Tottenham. 

This Thursday, the Gunners will host Olympiacos in the second leg of Europa League round of 16.