Arsenal star midfielder Declan Rice has provided his honest verdict on playing alongside Thomas Partey following the Gunners win over Bournemouth.
The former West Ham United captain said Partey’s return from injury has made an enormous difference in the Gunners squad.
Recall that the Ghanaian midfielder missed most of the 2023/2024 season due to a thigh injury he sustained in October 2023.
However, since the former Atletico Madrid player returned to action, he has played an important role in Arsenal’s recent victories, including the latest against Bournemouth on Saturday, May 4.
Declan Rice, on the other hand, was full of Thomas Partey’s praises after the 30-year-old incredible performance on Saturday to keep Arsenal in the Premier League title race.
Speaking after the Gunners victory over Bournemouth, Rice said; “It’s massive. The prospect of playing with Thomas, he’s been injured all season, I’ve been so excited.”
“Now he’s back you can see the difference he makes. He’s so calm on the ball and does these body feints that create so much space.”
“With him sitting there it allows me to go forward more. You can see that with my goal and assist. The goal came so late in the game that I thought I might as well shoot and it went in.”
He added; “I knew the type of players I was coming to play with. Martin (Odegaard) has been great. You can see the chemistry on the pitch. It’s like one big family in there.”
Declan Rice is flourishing as a midfielder for Arsenal
Declan Rice is best known for his defensive skills, but the 25-year-old’s performances this season under the leadership of Mikel Arteta have been incredible.
He assisted Leandro Trossard’s crucial second goal in Arsenal’s 3-0 victory over Bournemouth on Saturday, instinctively playing the ball to him with the outside of his boot, and then added the third goal himself with a brilliant angled shot in stoppage time.
Rice has now recorded seven goals and eight assists in the Premier League this season, the fourth-highest total of any Arsenal player and more than double his previous tally.
His goal involvement is one to talk about. Rice has undoubtedly impressed and caught the eye of numerous Arsenal fans, with his moving in and out of possession at times pushing the Gunners forward and at others helping them to achieve positive results.
His performances triggered the Gunners’ supporters and chant his name declaring that Arsenal bought him for half-price after that final whistle against Bournemouth.
Meanwhile, the introduction of Thomas Partey into the midfield helped Rice, allowing the £105 million player to attack freely from the No. 8 position.
In addition, Rice’s increased attacking threat was evident that he was worth the amount Arsenal paid for his services throughout the season.
What’s next?
In Arsenal’s pursuit of the Premier League title, the two outstanding midfielders will be seen in action when the Gunners lock horns against Manchester United on Sunday, May 12 at 4:30 WAT.
