[THREAD] There is a common misconception that Thomas Partey is not a DM but a hybrid #8 or more of an advanced midfielder.

A short thread explaining the role he plays in Diego Simeone's system, and comparing his qualities with other top quality DMs across Europe.

This is Thomas Partey's heatmap from the La Liga season 2019/20. How does he differ from other DMs?

(1/n)

This is Casemiro's heat map from the same season. They are similar players, but you don't see people calling Casemiro a hybrid #8.

Now the thing is, they both have the license to move forward when the time is right. However, their priority job is to screen the defence. (2/n)

Atletico play in a defensive system, which means Partey is less exposed to counter attacks. Hence, he doesn't engage in tackles as much as Casemiro.

However, he is a much better dribbler and the fact that Atletico rely on quick transitions, his ball progression is key. (3/n)

Real Madrid, on the other hand, play a possesion based footy with midfielders who have immense creativity. Hence, Casemiro doesn't have the burden of playing balls into the final third. (4/n)

But because Real play an open, expansive brand of football, leaving spaces in b/w midfield and defence, Casemiro has to stop counter attacks and break up plays more often than Partey, resulting in more tackles p.g.

Stats without context can be very misleading. (5/n)

Thomas Partey is a better ball carrier than Casemiro. He is more versatile.

But he is a DM. A no nonsense midfielder, sound defensively, possesses a great degree of passing skill and who has a bit of goalscoring in his locker, just like Casemiro. (6/n)

Fabinho 2019/20 vs Rodri 2019/20

Both play the DM role on paper, but the fact that teams mostly sit back against Man City, involves Rodri more into the build up.

Fabinho otoh just sits back most of the time, as Pool's majority of goals and creativity come from the flanks. (7/n)

If we shift to a back four, Thomas Partey should play the role of a DM in our team. Similar to Rodri's role. And he all the qualities to excel in a single pivot.

Now that you know what role Thomas Partey plays in Diego Simone's system, these are the other midfielders in his team.

That's what I'm talking about. He gives other mids in his team the freedom to bomb up and down the pitch. A single pivot, an absolute unit. (8/n)

Bottom line: Thomas Partey is less offensive/advanced than people think. If he does join, who plays alongside him and what formation Arteta chooses will be tough to call. (9/n)

That being said, my prediction for the 2020/21 season is a balanced 4-3-3 with Partey as DM, and two attacking minded mids on either side, one of them being Saka.

All we need is a quick, ball playing centre-back and an out and out defensive mid to bring balance to this team.

End of Thread.
Likes and RTs are appreciated as always

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