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During his introduction as the Black Stars coach on Monday, Chris Hughton came to the defense of Thomas Partey’s performances for the national team in comparison to his displays for Arsenal, which have received acclaim.
Partey has faced criticism for not fulfilling his potential for Ghana, but Hughton emphasized that his roles for club and country are distinct yet equally vital.
According to Hughton, Partey serves as a continuity player for the team, with a critical role that differs from the one he plays for Arsenal. While he may not be the type of player to dribble past numerous opponents, his contribution to the team’s objectives is essential, even if he does not always stand out.
“Partey’s roles for both club and country are different from each other but key,” said Hughton. “His role in the team is as a continuity player. He is not the type of player to expect to dribble past multiple players. His role is important to what the team does even if he doesn’t always stand out.”
Hughton’s remarks come ahead of Ghana’s critical 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Angola on Thursday, where a win would significantly enhance their chances of qualifying for the 2024 tournament in Ivory Coast.
Partey, who transferred to Arsenal from Atletico Madrid in 2020, has been an important player for the London team this season, providing defensive cover while also contributing to attacking moves.
The Gunners have benefited significantly from his contributions, leading the Premier League with an eight-point lead.
