Jamie Redknapp claims Thomas Partey needs to attack his next season with Arsenal with more energy after an “up and down” first campaign in the Premier League.
The Gunners triggered Partey’s €50m release clause on transfer deadline day in October, with the midfielder moving from Atletico Madrid and Lucas Torreira moving the other way on loan.
The Ghanaian has had various injury struggles this season which has hampered his ability to properly adapt to life in England and he has been criticised at times for looking tired and out of sorts compared to what was expected of him.
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The midfielder impressed in the 1-0 win over Chelsea on Wednesday, providing a solid defensive shield in front of his back four, but it wasn’t a display which illustrated the all-round game which attracted Arsenal to sign him.
Much more is expected of the 27-year-old next season and Redknapp believes he needs to break out of “Arsenal mode” to live up to his billing and become a success in the Premier League in his second term.
“It’s been tough for him, he’s had injuries. He’s been in his first season in the Premier League and we have to give people time for the adjustment,” Redknapp told Sky Sports.
“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’, where everything’s easy. 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.
“You have to give players the benefit of the doubt, but next year we will see the real Thomas Partey.”
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