🇬🇭 Partey the Ghanaian Gunner: three formations that can accommodate Arsenal’s new star

Arsenal left him late, but they secured a £ 45 million move for Thomas Partey on the day of the deadline.

Mikel Arteta is a long-time admirer of Ghana’s midfield dynamo who stood out with Diego Simeone at Atlético Madrid. Due to Partey’s full midfield capabilities and the ability to adapt to various systems, his signing presents a number of options for the Arsenal boss in terms of how he sets up his squad.

Atlético have played a narrow 4-4-2 in recent times with Partey alongside Saúl Ñíguez in the engine room in the center of the field. With Arsenal opting for a fluid 3-4-3 right now, Thomas will have to fit into that tactical mindset for now, but there’s a good chance Mikel Arteta will slowly transition from his side to a 4-2-3. -1, so he has more players to support his attack.

🧮 Arsenal: Defensive 3-4-3

The existing system would seek defensive stability at the base of midfield, so Dani Ceballos could be the only first-team starter to make way for Partey here. David Luiz is more comfortable playing on three defenses as a dealer and defensive organizer, while Bukayo Saka’s versatility and tactical intelligence also come in handy.

🧮 Arsenal: Attack 4-2-3-1

Playing at home against teams outside of the top six, as they most recently did in the 2-1 win against Sheffield United, Arsenal might have to sacrifice a defensive midfielder to take down stubborn defensive units. Utilizing Partey’s box-to-box skills and Willian’s clever creation will be key. This 4-2-3-1 is a balanced side that can hold the ball long enough, but also attacks quickly without pondering or overdoing it.

19 – There were 19 passes in preparation for Nicolas Pépé’s goal for @Arsenal against Sheffield United; more before a goal in the Premier League this season. Liquid. pic.twitter.com/um1eXZrYJ3

– OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) October 4, 2020

Arteta would have been very encouraged by Pépé’s goal at the weekend, which was the result of a 19-pass play by a fluid-looking team.

🧮 Arsenal: wild card 4-3-3

A hybrid 4-3-3 formation could also become an option a little later. This would be a team built around rhythm with Kieran Tierney and Héctor Bellerín bombing from the side, Nicolas Pépé deployed as a conventional wide forward and the electric speed and running power of Ainsley-Maitland Niles over wide areas. Partey, Granit Xhaka and Dani Ceballos would allow Arsenal to monopolize possession of the ball and dictate the rhythm of the games. This setup would allow the Gunners to put chances at a plate for captain and star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

What is immediately apparent is that the arrival of Thomas Partey gives Mikel Arteta a host of options in the middle of the park. In turn, it gives you options across the field. Options are a precious commodity in modern football.

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