The one-time most sought after midfielder has gradually become a subject of ridicule after moving out England to seek refuge in Spain
Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has come under scrutiny by Villarreal coach Marcelino for his recent uninspiring performances at with the Yellow Submarines.
The 32-year-old joined Villarreal from Arsenal as a free agent after his contract with the London-based club expired and has since been a pale shadow of himself, according to his new coach. Touted as one of the best best box-to-box midfielders in the world at a point while bossing the heart of Arsenal’s midfield just last season, things appear to have taken a nosedive.
The Ghanaian has recently fallen below 17-year-old academy graduate Carlos Macia in the pecking order at Villarreal and was hauled off at halftime when Villarreal lost 3-0 to Bayer Leverkusen in the UEFA Champions League.
“There is a world of difference between the Thomas we knew at Arsenal and this one,” a disappointed Marcelino said as quoted by Ghanasportscentral.com.
“A world of difference. It’s very difficult to play at this pace in today’s football.
“I think it’s been six months, and that’s enough time for this player to show us what he was or what he’s showing now,” he added.
Off the pitch, Partey is battling legal issues in England with his former girlfriends after being charged of rape and sexual assaults, an allegation he has vehemently denied and pleaded not guilty to five charges of rape and one charge of sexual assault at Southwark Crown Court in September of 2025.
Although, a section of Villarreal supporters opposed the signing of Partey, the club went on and confirmed his acquisition and insisted that they still believe he is innocent until proven guilty in court.
“The club is aware that the player is currently involved in legal proceeding in England. The player firmly maintains his innocence and denies all charges against him,’ Villarreal said at the time.
‘The club respects the fundamental principle of the presumption of innocence and will await the outcome of the judicial process, which will be responsible for clarifying the facts of the case. Due to the law in England in relation to ongoing proceedings the club is unable to comment further.
‘Villarreal CF wishes to clearly reiterate its strong commitment to respect and diversity and firmly condemns any act of violence in all its forms, including gender-based violence, discrimination, racism, xenophobia, or any behaviour that undermines the dignity of individuals.’
Ghanasportscentral understands that Partey maybe shown the exit in the January transfer window or at the end of the season as Villarreal are already planning the future without him.
