Thomas Partey’s shocking right-back record at Arsenal revealed in costly Mikel Arteta decision

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Mikel Arteta has put Thomas Partey to the test this season, playing the Arsenal midfielder in defence.

Signed from Atletico Madrid in 2020, Arsenal hired Partey with the understanding they would be receiving a top-quality midfielder.

Over the years, the Ghanaian has proven he was the right man for the job, excelling in central midfield alongside a range of partners. 

Now in the last year of his contract, Partey has been linked with an Arsenal exit, with clubs now able to make contact with the 31-year-old over a possible move.

• READ MORE: ‘A possibility’ – Mikel Arteta reveals two Arsenal stars could agree transfer exits this January

Thomas Partey’s alarming record at right-back 

It’s been a strong start to the Ghana international’s season, as Partey continues to perform at the top of his game.

Troy Deeney recently dubbed Partey ‘Mr Reliable’, praising the midfielder’s ability to remain consistent even when he is played out of position.

While the former player has been impressed with the Arsenal star, the numbers suggest that Arteta is not doing Partey any favours by playing him in defence.

Numerous times this season, the Arsenal manager has deployed Partey at right-back, a role that does not serve the Ghanaian well.

Data highlights that Arsenal have won only 50% of their games that the midfielder has started at right-back.

In the 12 games that Partey has started at the back, Arsenal have conceded 12 goals and have won on only six occasions, telling of the frailty Arteta’s tweak causes. 

Most recently, the former Atletico Madrid star was exposed against Brighton, despite the boss having the likes of Kieran Tierney, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Jakub Kiwior and Myles Lewis-Skelly on the bench – four players acclimated to play as a fullback.

Partey has to be played centrally

While Arteta has been short in defence this season due to injury, there’s been no need for the manager to deploy Partey out of position.

This is simply because of how well the 31-year-old operates in central midfield, allowing the likes of Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard to venture forward.

The numbers only reinforce just how important Partey is to the balance in Arsenal’s midfield, making the most tackles in the squad in the Premier League, as well as being a keen passer.

Being a player of great experience playing centrally, Arteta only has to look at the proof in the pros and cons of playing Partey out of position to learn that his decisions have been detrimental.