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If Rice is to more reliable defensive midfielder, and Partey the better passer, why have we never considered the opposite of what we do (Partey in the 8 and Rice at 6). Why must Rice push on when defensively he offers us more and from a passing perspective, Partey offers more going forward?
I suspect it’s because Rice is probably more mobile, dynamic and on his toes and can play equally as well at 8, whereas we haven’t really seeing Partey up the pitch. Now that I think of it, Partey occupying that LCM would look pretty weird.
It’ll be interesting to see though, if only for a game.
Partey is better receiving the ball under pressure than Rice. Partey is the perfect outlet for the defence when they’re pressing us high. Rice is the better tackler but he’s also much better at progressing the ball forward than Partey and his passing is excellent.
At West Ham they needed a ball winner which is why he was the 6. At Arsenal we need a ball mover who can track back and tackle when needed. Since we have possession far more than West Ham, the Partey outlet is more important.