samthegooner -- I was a huge proponent for us signing Partey, and like you I'm ready for someone new. I could tolerate a 1-2 year contract renewal for him, but I would rather not....
What intrigues me about the position is how specific of a skillset we're asking of players and that they possess that at a very high level. With Atletico I think Partey was slightly more on the front-foot albeit not to Rice's level. But what was clear was Partey had a very high technical level, great strength (in shielding and passing range), and an overall positive impact on the game.
For candidates, I don't think we need to look at just players who currently play like Partey (or the role we want). We can expand out to find candidates who possess the traits and are open to honing their game as the position demands.
As for who that is.....it's interesting trying to surmise whether someone can evolve into that player.
For example, could Valverde? He has the strength, positive impact, but lacks in my opinion the technical level.
Players I'm intrigued by:
- Camavinga....I actually think I would prefer him to Tchouameni, and I like to think he's more "accessible"
- Anguissa .... seems the most "ready made" in that only his offensive tendencies would need to be muted
- M. Hjulmand....seems a little frantic in that he's more all action and catching up
Wish I could offer some more hidden/new names, but I'm not watching much footy these days.
