Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has paid glowing tribute to teammate Thomas Partey, highlighting the Ghanaian international’s calming influence in midfield as a key factor in the Gunners’ success this season.
Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s crucial UEFA Champions League semifinal second-leg clash against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday, May 7, Rice was full of admiration for Partey, who is expected to return to the starting lineup after missing the first leg due to suspension.
“The best thing about playing with Thomas is the calmness he brings to the team,” Rice said in a pre-match interview. “Before I came to Arsenal, there was so much talk about how good he is. He doesn’t always get the recognition he deserves. I’m quite lucky Thomas is there—he lets me roam up and down.”
Partey’s absence was keenly felt in the first leg in Paris, where Arsenal struggled to gain midfield control and conceded a fourth-minute goal to Ousmane Dembélé, ultimately losing 1-0. With the second leg set to take place at the Parc des Princes, Partey’s return could prove pivotal as Arsenal aim to overturn the deficit and book a place in their first Champions League final since 2006.
Now 31, Partey has been a crucial part of Mikel Arteta’s side since his arrival from Atlético Madrid in 2020. Despite injury setbacks, he has remained one of the squad’s most experienced and composed figures, especially in high-stakes matches.
With his contract set to expire in a few months, discussions between Partey’s representatives and the club over a potential extension are reportedly ongoing. However, for now, his focus—and that of his teammates—is firmly on helping Arsenal reach the pinnacle of European football.
As the Gunners prepare for one of their biggest nights in nearly two decades, Rice’s words underscore the value Partey brings—not just in quality, but in character and composure when it matters most.
