Arsenal legend Gilberto Silva has urged Declan Rice to be partnered with Thomas Partey with the midfielder due to return to action soon.
The 30-year-old Ghana international has missed the majority of the season due to injury, with Partey making just five appearances in all competitions for Arsenal.
Whilst Rice has established himself as Arsenal’s newest midfield superstar, there are growing expectations that Partey could return to the starting XI to partner the England international once back to full fitness.
Gilberto Silva backs Thomas Partey and Declan Rice to thrive together for Arsenal
And speaking to O Jogo, Arsenal legend and Invincible Gilberto has now called for Partey to become Rice’s new midfield partner, with Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz currently taking this role.
With Jorginho also impressing in recent matches, Partey will be returning to an Arsenal squad where places in the midfield will be hard to come by with so many players impressing.
Yet for Gilberto, Partey is the midfielder who could be perfect for Rice, with the former Brazilian international comparing the duo to himself and Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira.
Gilberto said: “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.”
Thomas Partey could be what’s missing from Arsenal’s midfield
Up until the last few weeks, Partey’s absence in the Arsenal midfield has been felt, with the former Atletico Madrid star exceptional under Mikel Arteta last season.
Whilst the 30-year-old isn’t guaranteed to return the Arsenal starting XI the second his fitness is at 100%, Partey does bring a lot of what the Gunners are missing in the midfield.
And alongside Rice, the Ghana superstar could be an ideal option to partner the former West Ham superstar, especially with Odegaard acting as the creative powerhouse in that midfield three.
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