THOMAS PARTEY can become one of the best in the world for Arsenal after an ‘unfortunate’ year with injuries, Saul Niguez has claimed.
The Atletico Madrid midfielder, 26, played alongside Partey for a number of years having come through the LaLiga side’s academy.
Since his summer move to Arsenal, Saul has remained in contact with the Ghanaian and checks in ‘a lot’ to hear about life in North London.
Speaking at an event for LiveScore, he said: “I think having a coach like [Mikel] Arteta at Arsenal eased things a lot for him.
“He knows the language and it is a culture that suits him. As a player he’s incredible and if he manages to keep this consistency, he can be one of the best in the world, honestly.
“I have known him since we were 16 or 17 years old and I’ve always felt that he was going to be a very important player, but what he has lacked is the consistency, because he’s capable of doing everything.
“He scores from out of the box, he makes ground, intercepts, distributes, runs the game himself. But if he ever reads this [laughs] I would like to mention again that he should improve his consistency.
“It’s not enough just doing one good game and then not appearing in three or four. He has to be more intelligent in that aspect and know what he has to do those days in which he’s not performing as well.
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“It’s difficult because he started pre-season with us and then he left without finishing it. He tried to play every game, he got injured, then he tried to come back before the correct time.
“Everything has been a bit unfortunate, but I think next season will be a great season for him.”
Saul, fighting for the LaLiga title with Atletico, has been linked with Premier League leaders Manchester City in the past.
The Spain international provided his top three compatriots to ever grace the English top-flight.
Along with Juan Mata and David Silva, for his ‘legacy’ at Eastlands, he credited international team-mate David De Gea.
Saul stated: “Even though people criticise him he’s one of the best keepers in the world.
“Every year he’s there. Always. Every year you have criticism but he’s always there.
“He won the Premier League with Sir Alex Ferguson, he was named
best Manchester United player for five years. It’s crazy!”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
