PLAY YOUR PART
Jamie Redknapp has backed Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey to thrive next season after an underwhelming first year in England.
The 27-year-old has flattered to deceive since joining the Gunners from Atletico Madrid in October for £45million.
But Sky Sports pundit Redknapp has come to the defence of the 2018 Europa League winner and predicted he will shine next campaign.
Speaking prior to Arsenal’s 1-0 away win against Chelsea, he said: “It’s been tough for him, he’s had injuries, it’s been his first season in the Premier League and we have to give people time.
“Some just come to the league and they just thrive. Others find it really difficult. I’m going to give him the benefit of the doubt.
“There have been games where I watched him and thought I would have hated to play against him. He’s got all the attributes.
“But there are other times when he gets into what I would call ‘Arsenal mode’.
“I don’t want to see him like that, I want to see him high energy in that midfield running games. Next season that is what he needs to do.
“He needs to come into next season absolutely flying because his performances have been too up and down for my liking.
“But next year we will see the real Thomas Partey.”