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The original was posted on /r/soccer by /u/Sparky-moon on 2026-01-30 05:10:17+00:00.
Villarreal’s match in Leverkusen on the last day of the Champions League group stage highlighted the worst shortcomings that the Yellow Submarine has shown this season, especially in Europe. And, in the same way, the tremendous failure that the signing of a player like Thomas Partey has been. Marcelino’s blunt words, which did not mince words when analyzing the Ghanaian’s time at the club to date, were more than significant.
The truth is that the African international’s performances this season at Villarreal are leaving a lot to be desired. His lack of pace, attitude, and footballing ability mean that his current performances are a world away from the player he was during his last seasons at Arsenal: “There’s a world of difference between the Thomas we knew at Arsenal and this one. A world. It’s very difficult to play football at this level at the moment. 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 us,” said the Asturian after the match.
The truth is that Partey’s arrival at the Castellón club was surrounded by a lot of controversy. Awaiting trial on serious allegations of sexual abuse, his signing was heavily criticized by some of the yellow team’s fans, even though the club defended his presumption of innocence. Beyond this circumstance and strictly in sporting terms, Villarreal were convinced that the Ghanaian would bring about a leap in quality in the team’s midfield. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Extremely poor level
The truth is that the former Gunner, who arrived at the end of the summer transfer window without proper preseason training and in poorer physical condition than his teammates, has not put in a single convincing performance. And time and opportunities (he has played in 20 games) have not helped much. Apathetic, out of shape, and seemingly unable to integrate into the group, in recent games he has seen 17-year-old academy player Carlos Maciá surpass him in the coach’s preferences.
Partey has a contract with Villarreal until June and, after the coach’s comments, it does not look like he will continue to be part of the “submarine’s” plans. His contract, despite being much lower than what he was earning in London, is important for Villarreal and a departure in this transfer window would be the best news for the Castellón-based club. However, it does not seem easy for the player, at his current level, to find a new home. He also needs to find a team to work with ahead of this summer’s World Cup, where he will be playing for Ghana.
This is a difficult situation for Villarreal with a player who is even more in the spotlight and who, for the moment, is neither there nor seems to be expected.