As Arsenal brace themselves for a season-defining UEFA Champions League semifinal second-leg clash against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday, midfielder Declan Rice has singled out teammate Thomas Partey as a vital—yet often overlooked—component of the Gunners’ engine room.

With Arsenal trailing 1-0 after a tense first-leg loss in Paris, the return of Partey from suspension could prove pivotal. The Ghanaian international’s absence was felt early in the match, with PSG capitalizing on Arsenal’s shaky start to take the lead through Ousmane Dembélé in just the fourth minute.

Speaking ahead of the crunch fixture, Rice opened up about his admiration for Partey’s style and influence.

“The best thing about playing with Thomas is the calmness he brings to the team,” Rice said. “Before I joined Arsenal, I’d already heard so much about how good he is. He doesn’t always get the recognition he deserves. I’m quite lucky Thomas is there—he lets me roam up and down.”

Since joining from Atlético Madrid in 2020, Partey has quietly anchored Arsenal’s midfield when fit, and his return couldn’t be more timely. With his contract expiring in a few months, ongoing discussions about an extension loom large in the background, but for now, his focus remains on helping the Gunners reach their first Champions League final since 2006.

For Mikel Arteta’s men, Partey’s stabilizing presence might just be the difference as they look to overturn the deficit and chase European glory.