Gilberto Silva wants ‘underrated’ Arsenal player to start next to Declan Rice in midfield

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal legend Gilberto Silva has claimed that he’s really looking forward to seeing Thomas Partey and Declan Rice start together in midfield.

The Ghana international has barely played for Arsenal this season. Injuries have really troubled him, but he was spotted back in training yesterday, and it’s only a matter of time before he’s available for selection again.

Gilberto Silva wants Thomas Partey and Declan Rice to start together for Arsenal

Thomas Partey has played just over 340 minutes of football for Arsenal this season.

The Ghanaian is one of the best midfielders in the country when he’s fully fit, but just three starts all campaign, one of which was in the Community Shield, is just not a good look.

Partey is now nearing a return to full fitness. He wasn’t on the plane to Portugal for the game tonight, but he took part in training yesterday, which means he’s close.

Gilberto Silva had his say on Arsenal, and he claimed that he’s really looking forward to seeing Declan Rice start alongside Partey in the middle of Mikel Arteta’s park.

He went as far as comparing the two midfielders to himself and fellow Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira from the Invincibles days.

Gilberto told O Jogo: “I’d highlight Rice as the key man, he’s adapted very well.

“He’s a great boss and I’m looking forward to seeing him play with Partey. I think they could complement each other like me and Vieira.”

Rice and Partey will make Arsenal very strong

Thomas Partey was one of Arsenal‘s most important players last season when they got so close to winning the Premier League title.

The ‘underrated‘ 30-year-old offers a lot of quality every time he starts. He’s excellent on the ball, outstanding without it, and he has the ability to pick out certain passes that even Declan Rice can’t.

It’s a real shame that Arsenal fans haven’t been able to see Rice and Partey start a consistent run of games next to each other. The two of them together make Arsenal’s midfield one of the best in Europe.

Arsenal take on Newcastle United in the Premier League this weekend, and there is a chance Partey will feature in that game. It will be interesting to see if he gets the nod alongside Rice.