Villarreal manager Marcelino offered a scathing review of Thomas Partey and his performances since arriving in Spain. He claims there is a “world of difference” between the player seen at Arsenal compared to now.
Villarreal’s European pedigree appeared a distant memory as they suffered one final capitulation before the Champions League moves on to the knockouts.
Along with Kairat, the 2022 semi-finalists were one of two teams among the 36 in the league phase to register just one point.
Bayer Leverkusen put them to the sword on the final matchday, running out eventual 3-0 victors in a match that held little significance for the already-limited Villarreal.
With the fanbase disgruntled and manager Marcelino reserving some choice words for some of his players, it was former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey who found himself under the most scrutiny.
Partey started in Germany but was hooked at half-time alongside Tajon Buchanan, with Leverkusen already cruising into the break with a 2-0 lead.
Marcelino Launches Sensational Rant at Thomas Partey
Just six months have passed since Partey left Arsenal for Villarreal, but if Marcelino’s comments about the 32-year-old are anything to go by, his career in Castellon may be short-lived.
The Villarreal manager had clearly been bottling up his assessment of Partey, but he spilled all after another unforgivable display in Leverkusen.
🇬🇭❌ Thomas Partey was substituted after just 27 touches against Leverkusen in the Champions League. Partey appears to be declining; this is not the same player we once knew.#thomaspartey #ghana #leverkusenpic.twitter.com/WqpUejJNCT
— Kari Sports (@karisportshq) January 29, 2026
Offering a biting assessment of his performances up to this point, Marcelino made it clear he is some way off the club’s expectations.
“There’s a world of difference between the Thomas we knew at Arsenal and this one,” he said.
“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.”
Partey has made 21 appearances for the Yellow Submarine across the campaign, but he has completed the full 90 minutes in just five.
Despite a stellar final season at Arsenal, Partey now finds himself well down the pecking order in Spain, with Marcelino’s preference for 17-year-old Carlos Macia in midfield.
Thomas Partey Could Leave Villarreal in January
Just days remain before the transfer window closes, but Villarreal are ready to cut their losses and seek a potential suitor for Partey.
How easy that will be to find remains to be seen, with controversy still circling after Partey was charged with sexual assault in cases brought against him by two separate women.
Partey has vehemently denied all of the charges and has welcomed the chance to clear his name.
A trial date has been set for November 2, 2026 at Southwark Crown Court.
