Jack Wilshere says Arsenal have a truly ‘top, top player’ in their ranks

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Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has been praised by Gunners cult hero Jack Wilshere, who described the 27-year-old as a “top, top player”.

Partey joined Arsenal from Atletico Madrid on transfer deadline day last summer after the Gunners had triggered his £45million release clause.

He arrived at the Emirates Stadium to much fanfare, but his maiden season in north London hasn’t exactly been plain sailing amid some injury and fitness issues.

Partey has shown glimpses of his quality throughout the season but there have been some poor displays too.

Against Villarreal, the Ghana international gave the ball away on several occasions while playing out, and struggled without Granit Xhaka playing alongside him.

Wilshere, talking to talkSPORT about Arsenal’s recruitment in recent years, stressed that those who are currently struggling at the Emirates are not bad players.

“They’re good players,” he said. “Thomas Partey is a top, top player. I played against him in the semi-final of the Europa League and he was one of the toughest I played against.

“The recruitment is not down to Arteta. He’s the coach, he’s the manager and he picks the team.

“It is down to him to get the best out of them, but I wouldn’t say the recruitment is down to him anymore.”

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The sheer euphoria amongst Arsenal fans when Partey, a midfielder of the highest calibre, joined the Gunners is testament to his quality.

He’s not the only player who’s struggling at the minute – a lot of Arsenal players have flattered to deceive.

It remains to be seen what the board has in store for Arteta in terms of his position at the club – he’s on thin ice at present.