Arsenal Player Singles Out Partey for Praises in Statement Win Over Real Madrid
- Despite not scoring or assisting, Thomas Partey’s midfield performance was the standout of Arsenal's win against Real Madrid
- After the 3-0 win, an Arsenal starter took to Instagram to praise Partey, to write a short, glowing tribute to the Ghanaian
- Declan Rice scored a brace, and Mikel Merino added a third goal to seal the win for Arsenal who picked up a huge 1st leg advantage
- YEN.com.gh spoke with Thomas Partey's PR to find out what this praise means for the player's role for both club and country
In a standout performance that has caught the attention of Premier League fans, Arsenal secured a commanding 3-0 victory against Real Madrid in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarterfinals at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday.
While Declan Rice stole the headlines with his brace and Mikel Merino sealed the deal with a third goal, it was Thomas Partey’s midfield display that truly stole the show.
Source: Getty Images
Following the match, Arsenal’s right-back, Jurien Timber, took to social media to praise the influential Black Stars player for his dominant performance against some of Europe’s finest midfielders.
Partey Shines Against Real Madrid's Midfield Giants
Though Partey didn’t get on the score sheet or provide an assist, his performance in the heart of Arsenal’s midfield was nothing short of exceptional.
Against a Real Madrid midfield that included the likes of Jude Bellingham, Luka Modric, and Eduardo Camavinga, Partey showed why he’s considered one of the most influential players in Arsenal’s setup.
His tactical awareness, strength, and ability to disrupt Real Madrid’s rhythm were on full display, making him the standout performer in the midfield battle.
Partey, who put up a Man-of-the-Match performance in Ghana's World Cup qualifier against Madagascar on March 24, was rated higher than any of the Madrid midfielders in post-match analysis, a testament to his all-around brilliance on the night.
His performance was a key factor in Arsenal’s dominance, allowing the likes of Rice and Merino to thrive further up the pitch.
Timber’s Instagram Post: A Nod to Partey’s Quality
After the game, Timber took to Instagram to share a post celebrating Partey’s performance. The Dutch right-back posted a picture of Partey in possession of the ball during the match, showcasing the midfielder's composure and elegance in the middle of the park.
Timber captioned the photo with a simple but impactful statement: “This guy” followed by a clapping hands emoji.
The post is a clear sign of the respect and admiration Timber has for his teammate. Given Timber's own impressive start to his Arsenal career, this gesture further highlights the camaraderie and mutual respect between the players within the squad.
It’s not every day that a player from one position takes time to acknowledge the performance of a teammate from a completely different area of the pitch, but Timber’s gesture emphasizes the collective unity within the team.
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Source: Getty Images
Analyzing Thomas Partey's commanding display
Thomas Partey delivered a commanding performance in midfield as Arsenal picked up a 3-0 victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-final first leg on April 8, 2025.
His defensive contributions were pivotal, making crucial interceptions that disrupted Real Madrid's attacking rhythm. Partey's ability to read the game allowed him to anticipate passes, effectively breaking up opposition plays and initiating counter-attacks for Arsenal.
His precise distribution ensured that possession was retained, facilitating the team's offensive transitions. Notably, his assertiveness in midfield battles contributed significantly to Arsenal's dominance in the center of the park, limiting Real Madrid's influence in this critical area.
Declan Rice makes history
Meanwhile, Declan Rice made history after scoring two direct free-kicks in the match. Prior to this game, Rice had never scored a direct free-kick.
He became the first player to score two direct free-kicks in a Champions League knockout game.
Speaking to YEN.com.gh, Sammy Ziggah, the PR agent and a member of Thomas Partey's team, spoke about the impact the praise means for the player's leadership role for both club and country.
"Thomas Partey’s impressive display in Arsenal’s recent victory over Real Madrid, coupled with praise from teammate Jorginho, signals a resurgence in the midfielder’s influence at both club and national levels. The recognition not only boosts Partey’s confidence but also reinforces his tactical importance in Arsenal’s midfield setup. This could mean more consistent game time and leadership responsibilities, especially in high-stakes matches," he said.
"For the Black Stars, Partey’s current form is a major advantage. A fit and in-form Partey brings composure, experience, and strategic depth to Ghana’s midfield, a department that has often lacked stability in recent international outings," he added.
Reactions of Arsenal players to 3-0 Real Madrid Success
YEN.com.gh earlier reported the top five reactions of Arsenal players following their 3-0 UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg win against Real Madrid on Tuesday night.
This included a three-word response of Black Stars midfield anchor Thomas Partey who put up a spirited performance against his former La Liga rivals.
Nomso Obiajuru was a contributing writer in this article
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Source: YEN.com.gh
