Villarreal head coach Marcelino García Toral has openly criticised Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey following the club’s 3-0 loss to Bayer Leverkusen in Wednesday night’s UEFA Champions League clash.

Partey, who joined Villarreal on a free transfer in the summer, started the match in Germany despite the team having already been eliminated from the competition. The midfielder was substituted at half-time, alongside Tajon Buchanan, after Leverkusen took a 2-0 lead in the first half.

Speaking after the game, Marcelino drew a stark comparison between Partey’s current performances and his time at Arsenal, questioning the Ghanaian’s impact and fitness.

“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.”

Partey has made 21 appearances for Villarreal this season but has completed the full 90 minutes only five times amid ongoing concerns over his fitness and form. Villarreal finished second-bottom in their Champions League group, collecting just one point from eight games.

The midfielder’s struggles highlight a challenging start to life at Villarreal, as the club looks to rebuild momentum in domestic competitions following a disappointing European campaign.