Villarreal head coach Marcelino García Toral did not hold back in his post-match assessment of Thomas Partey after the Yellow Submarine were swept aside 3-0 by Bayer Leverkusen in their final UEFA Champions League group game on Wednesday night.
With Villarreal already out of contention heading into the fixture in Germany, Partey was handed a starting role in midfield. However, the Ghana international endured another difficult outing and was hooked at half-time alongside Tajon Buchanan, as Xabi Alonso’s side stormed into a commanding 2-0 lead before the break.
After the final whistle, Marcelino delivered a brutally honest verdict on Partey’s performances since arriving at the club, suggesting the midfielder has failed to replicate the level he once showed during his Premier League spell.
“There is a world of difference between the Thomas we knew at Arsenal and this one. A world of difference,” Marcelino said. “It’s very difficult to play at this pace in today’s football. Six months is enough time for a player to show what he is capable of.”
Thomas Partey poised for Villarreal exit as veteran midfielder weighs new chapter
Partey joined Villarreal on a free transfer in the summer, a move that initially generated optimism and intrigue. However, that promise has gradually faded. The 30-year-old has featured 21 times in all competitions this season but has managed to complete a full 90 minutes on just five occasions, with recurring fitness issues and inconsistent form limiting his influence.
Villarreal’s European campaign mirrored Partey’s struggles. The Spanish side finished second bottom in their Champions League group, collecting a solitary point from eight matches, a return that fell well short of expectations.
Marcelino’s pointed remarks underline the growing frustration at the Estadio de la Cerámica, with Partey’s future now likely to come under scrutiny as Villarreal assess how to rebuild after a disappointing continental run.
