Villarreal manager Marcelino delivered a pointed assessment of midfielder Thomas Partey’s performances following the club’s disappointing exit from the UEFA Champions League competition.
The Spanish side finished at the bottom of their Champions League group, securing only one point from their eight matches. Their European campaign ended without a win, highlighting a season of significant struggle.
The focus after their final group match, however, fell on the form of former Arsenal player Thomas Partey. The Ghanaian international was substituted at halftime during the encounter, having completed 22 passes with a 77.3% success rate, a figure below his typical standard.
Speaking to reporters after the 3-0 defeat to Bayern Leverkusen Marcelino did not hide his concerns. “Thomas [Partey], I think there’s a world of difference between the Thomas we know at Arsenal and this one,” the manager stated. “A world of difference.”
He elaborated on the challenges Partey seems to be facing, suggesting the midfielder has had sufficient time to adapt. “It’s very difficult to play at this pace in today’s football. So, I think it’s been six months now, and that’s enough time for this player to show us what he was capable of, or what he’s showing us now.”
Partey joined Villarreal last summer after a successful spell in the Premier League with Arsenal, where he was widely regarded as a key and dynamic presence in their midfield. His transition to La Liga has yet to yield the same level of consistent impact.
With Villarreal’s European journey over and having a good domestic form the club will be hoping for a swift and positive response from their experienced midfielder.