Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey has revealed his ambition to model his game after two African football greats — Yaya Toure and Michael Essien.
Partey has been in fine form lately, following up his standout display in Arsenal’s 3-0 win against Real Madrid in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals with another strong showing against Brentford over the weekend.
The 31-year-old found the back of the net in Arsenal’s 1-1 draw at the Emirates Stadium.
Reflecting on his recent performances, Partey shared that he’s working on blending both attacking and defensive qualities in his game — drawing inspiration from the legendary midfield duo.
“I like to be defensive and offensive. I know whenever I am in the opposite area, I have chances for a goal and I think defensively, I want to be stronger,” he told Sky Sports.
“I want to attack like Yaya Toure and defend like Michael Essien, so to have both qualities is good,” Partey added.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are keeping fingers crossed that Partey will be fit for the second leg of their Champions League tie against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu on Wednesday, after he was forced off with a knock in the first leg.
