Thomas Partey is a lovely guy – Granit Xhaka

Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka has described Thomas Partey as a lovely guy as he spoke about his partnership with the Ghanaian, who joined the Gunners last summer. 

Partey has had a number of fitness issues since his arrival from Atletico Madrid, but when he has played, his partnership with Xhaka has impressed.

"It is a shame we have not played a lot together because he has had two big injuries. But the games we have played together, I think he looks very good, very solid," the Swiss midfielder said.

"We are very good together, not only on the pitch but off it as well. He is a lovely guy, he is improving our team because you can see how much experience he has at this level, and this is good for my game as well.

"As well, the other midfielders in the team are improving step by step and the important thing is that we can see and we can feel we are improving and we have to keep going like this and let's see what we can take from the end of the season."

The 27-year-old returned from a hamstring injury to feature in Arsenal's 3-2 victory over Benfica. A result which ensured the Gunners reached the last 16 of the Europa League.