Mikel Arteta faces a potential dilemma as Thomas Partey, once a first-team star, contemplates his future at the club due to a limited role in the squad. While Arsenal secured a crucial victory against Sevilla in the Champions League, concerns have emerged regarding Arteta’s squad rotation policy.
In the match against Sevilla, Arteta made just one change to the starting lineup, introducing Takehiro Tomiyasu. This continuity in team selection is a strategy that Arteta has employed consistently, aiming to maintain consistency and cohesion.
However, not everyone within the Arsenal camp is content with this approach. According to reports by 90min, Thomas Partey is contemplating his future with the Gunners.
The Ghanaian midfielder has had limited opportunities in the Premier League this season, partly due to injuries and tactical decisions. Partey, started the season in an inverted full-back position, has struggled to displace Jorginho from the starting lineup. He did not feature at all against Chelsea.
Partey is one of Arsenal’s most formidable midfielders when at his best, particularly in a defensive midfield role.
Managing the squad rotation- problem for Arteta?
However, he now finds himself behind Declan Rice in the pecking order. Jorginho’s composure on the ball and the evolution of Arsenal’s midfield since last season have contributed to Partey’s reduced minutes. Arteta faces a selection conundrum with a full squad at his disposal, as several players have impressed in various positions.
Jurrien Timber has started the season strongly, Oleksandr Zinchenko is preferred as an inverted full-back, and the midfield boasts options like Kai Havertz, Fabio Vieira, and Jorginho, whom Arteta seems to favor at the moment. The challenge for Arteta lies in finding the right balance between maintaining a settled and cohesive squad and ensuring that all key players receive opportunities to contribute. Keeping a talented player like Thomas Partey on the fringes could lead to him reconsidering his future.
As Arsenal compete on multiple fronts, Arteta’s ability to effectively manage his squad and provide opportunities to all his talented players, including Partey, may prove crucial in their pursuit of success in both domestic and European competitions.
The coming weeks will undoubtedly shed light on the resolution of this situation and the path forward for Thomas Partey.
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