In a stunning admission that has captured attention across European football, PSG and Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi has revealed there’s one Arsenal player he fears facing again—and surprisingly, it’s not one of the team’s more hyped names like Bukayo Saka or Declan Rice. Instead, it’s a midfield engine room operator whose brilliance left an unforgettable mark on Hakimi and the entire PSG dressing room.
The revelation came after PSG’s narrow Champions League victory over Aston Villa. Speaking to reporters, Hakimi openly shared his unease about potentially crossing paths once more with this Arsenal player who, during their last clash against Real Madrid, displayed a level of football intelligence that stunned even seasoned professionals.
Describing the performance as otherworldly, Hakimi didn’t hold back in his praise. He called the Arsenal player a “magician,” noting the almost supernatural control he had over the ball and the match itself. According to Hakimi, the memory of that game has stuck with everyone at PSG—some joking about it, others genuinely rattled.
While many initially assumed the player in question was a popular attacking figure like Gabriel Jesus or Martin Ødegaard, Hakimi quickly shut down those assumptions. The man who impressed—and unnerved—him the most was none other than Thomas Partey, Arsenal’s often-underappreciated midfield general.
Though Partey typically flies under the radar compared to flashier teammates, his display against Madrid changed that narrative. Hakimi described his command of the pitch as “orchestral,” marveling at how Partey effortlessly disrupted Madrid’s counters and launched Arsenal’s attacks with precision. His awareness and anticipation set him apart from most midfielders Hakimi has encountered.
Hakimi confessed that attempting to press Partey was futile. “He spun away like I wasn’t even there,” he recalled. The Moroccan star emphasized that while Partey may not be the most flamboyant player on the field, his footballing mind operates on a completely different level, leaving even elite opponents stunned.
Adding even more intrigue to this unfolding story, Partey’s controversial yellow card against Madrid—initially believed to rule him out of the semi-final’s first leg—was overturned following a FIFA review. The decision was made after evidence showed that Madrid’s Rudiger instigated the incident, and Partey was unfairly booked.
Now, with Partey cleared to play, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is breathing a sigh of relief. Already missing Jorginho and unsure about Emile Smith Rowe, Arteta will once again be able to count on Partey’s experience and calm leadership in midfield—a crucial asset as they prepare to battle PSG for a spot in the Champions League final.
The timing couldn’t be better, and fans are buzzing with excitement. Partey’s influence is finally being recognized, with football legends and pundits praising his impact. As anticipation builds for the semi-final, even Hakimi admits: this time, with Partey on the pitch, it won’t just be a game—it’ll be a war.
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