According to the 29-year-old Swiss, the Ghana deputy captain was so key to the team that his absence often impact negatively on the club.

Partey, 28, has begun picking up form and played a key role in Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Leicester City on Sunday scoring their opening goal with a thumping header.

His latest contribution came just after he emerged Player of the Month of February for his club even though he could not replicate similar form for Ghana during the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroun.

"He criticised himself very hard I think [earlier in the season], but he’s fit, he’s healthy, he’s so important for us," he told Arsenal Media.

According to Xhaka not only is the services of Partey useful on the pitch but he also contributes to helping young people off the pitch.

"You can see his qualities without the ball, with the ball and everything starts from him and not only on the pitch, but off the pitch as well he’s a lovely guy, a guy who helps the young people a lot, I’m enjoying being a part of the midfield with him."