“Everything Starts With Him” – Granit Xhaka Hails Colossal Midfield Partner

Granit Xhaka hails Thomas Partey’s importance…

Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka hailed Thomas Partey’s growing importance to the team and stated that all their good play begins with the 28-year-old, the Swiss skipper told Arsenal Player.

Partey added a rare goal to a colossal performance against Leicester City on Sunday as he continues to thrive in his role as the sole midfield anchor.

A tactical tweak in recent months has done the team wonders, with Arteta speaking about moving Xhaka further forward and allowing Partey to operate at the base of the midfield.

Xhaka echoed those sentiments and highlighted how all our play starts with Partey, with the Ghanian possessing the passing and physical qualities to progress the play.

“He criticised himself very hard I think [earlier in the season], but he’s fit, he’s healthy, he’s so important for us,” Xhaka was quoted as saying.

“You can see his qualities without the ball, with the ball and everything starts from him and not only on the pitch but off the pitch as well he’s a lovely guy, a guy who helps the young people a lot.

“I’m enjoying being a part of the midfield with him.”

Our record is impeccable this season in the Premier League when Xhaka and Partey start together and our inability to field them in the same team earlier this season costs us.

Since Xhaka came back into the side from a three-month lay-off in that dire performance at Everton, the two have gelled well and been at the heart of our sensational run subsequently.

No team in Europe’s top five leagues has picked him more points than us in the last 10 games. Keeping the aforementioned pair fit and available is vital for our top-four hopes.