Quote Originally Posted by IBK View Post
I don't think Partey does 2 jobs because of Xhaka. I think Arteta has been able to get the best out of Xhaka (one of our stand out players this season - but I know you don't agree with me) because Partey can do 2 jobs - which IMHO is very rare to find at the level Partey plays.

I kind of agree with you re keeping him out of Europe, but by the same token I can see where Arteta is coming from that if you want to breed winners you need to go out and try to win. I'd be perfectly happy to see us go out of the FA Cup...provided we beat Manure next weekend and can see an exit to Citeh as a bit 'meh'.
Xhaka has had a good season because he is being played in a more advanced role than previous years and is being Shawn of the same defensive responsibilities he might have had in the past, this is why Arteta has been so keen on bringing in Zinchenko a player that can cut inside and roll up his sleeves in midfield.

The premier league does not usually allow for a player that is at best indifferent to the defensive side of the game in central midfield. And as much as Partey is capable of doing both jobs, from a defensive standpoint we’d be screwed if we weren’t

Our only league defeat this season, was a result of defensive lack of control as a result of Partey’s absence. Xhaka fulfilled his new role vacating central midfield to Eriksen, Lokonga simply didn’t have it within him to impose himself on the game and when Zinchenko came in to help out in central midfield it left a giant load of space for them to exploit in the fullback area