Ally McCoist praises one Arsenal ace who is just as important as Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal have plenty of big stars in their team, with Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard the main threats in the attacking areas.

While many have placed emphasis on stopping the duo to stop the Gunners as a whole, there is a squad filled with quality that backs them up.

Mikel Arteta has often avoided speaking about individuals, instead discussing the collective at Arsenal and how they all push towards their goals.

It can underline the importance of squad depth and strength as a whole, with popular pundit Ally McCoist believing that one player is just as important as Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard.

• READ MORE: Thierry Henry reveals which team he truly loves out of Arsenal and Monaco amid Champions League tie

Thomas Partey praised during Arsenal vs Monaco

Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has been growing in influence over the season, following many campaigns of injury troubles and absences.

The Ghanaian has been a regular feature on the team sheet, whether it’s in the centre of midfield or at right-back – where he has played a fair bit due to Arsenal’s injury crisis.

In those performances, there have been performances that have helped the side get over the line and earn some big points.

It’s a role that McCoist says won’t always get the headlines, but is just as important as some of his teammates.

Speaking on TNT Sports, the former player said: “For every Odegaard & Saka, you need a Thomas Partey in your team.”

It underlines how important his role has been in the team, though there are further questions over his future at the Emirates Stadium.

• READ MORE: Mikel Arteta admits his rare mistake with £25m Arsenal star – he was flying under Unai Emery

When does Thomas Partey’s contract run out at Arsenal?

Thomas Partey’s current contract at Arsenal expires in the summer of 2025, giving a decision for the hierarchy to make on his future.

So far, the 31-year-old has played every game in the Champions League as well as 14 Premier League games out of 15.

It outlines the importance of him in the team, even with the signings of Declan Rice, Mikel Merino and Jorginho in recent transfer windows.

It remains to be seen whether a new deal will be handed Partey’s way, not least with links to a new midfielder as well as a desire to lower the age profile of the squad.

With previous injury issues also potentially rearing their head in the future, it leaves huge question marks over his future.