Since joining Villarreal CF in the summer of 2025 when his contract at Arsenal expired, Thomas Partey has had difficulty regaining his best form.

The goal of the Ghanaian midfielder’s free transfer was to bolster Villarreal’s midfield. He has, however, struggled to get consistent playing time due to fierce rivalry within the team.

Partey has appeared in 16 La Liga games this season, however he has only started seven of them, coming off the bench nine times. For a player who was once renowned for his control and influence in midfield, he has yet to record a goal or assist, which is indicative of a challenging campaign.

The 32-year-old built his reputation as a commanding presence during spells with Atletico Madrid and Arsenal. At Villarreal, though, he has often been overlooked in favour of other midfield options, including Pape Gueye, who has been preferred by coach Marcelino García Toral in several matches.

Away from the pitch, Partey is also dealing with an ongoing legal case in England. In August 2025, he was charged with five counts of rape involving two women and one count of sexual assault against a third woman, allegations he denies.

The case has since expanded with two additional counts of rape relating to another alleged victim. While it remains unclear how much the off-field situation has affected his performances, the circumstances have added further scrutiny to a challenging season for the Ghana international.

Just hours before Villarreal’s UEFA Champions League matchup with Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday, Black Stars coach Otto Addo spoke with deputy captain Thomas Partey. The conversations were positive, with Otto underlining the need for players to keep their shape for the World Cup.

In the 46th minute of Villarreal’s 3-0 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen at the BayArena, Georges Mikautadze took Thomas Partey’s place. Addo has been keeping an eye on Ghanaian athletes, most recently traveling to Spain to observe Kwasi Sibo, Abdul Mumin, and other players.

He has also checked up on Mohammed Kudus, Tariq Lamptey, Jordan Ayew, and Abdul Fatawu Issahaku. These visits aim to foster team cohesiveness and togetherness ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico, Canada and the United States of America.

Ghana’s Group L opponents are Panama, England, and Croatia. The Black Stars World Cup campaign kicks off against Panama on June 17, followed by England (June 23) and Croatia (June 27). Ghana will play Austria and Germany in March as warm-up matches for the World Cup in June.

Marcelino, the Villarreal manager, is confident against Tottenham, Thomas Partey will do well.

Prior to Tuesday night’s UEFA Champions League matchup with Tottenham Hotspur in London, Villarreal head coach Marcelino García Toral has stated that he has complete faith in Thomas Partey.

When Villarreal visits the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, kickoff is set for 19:00 GMT, the 31-year-old Ghanaian midfielder, who formerly played for Arsenal for three seasons in north London, is anticipated to play a key part.

Marcelino praised Partey’s preparedness on and off the field with great vigor.

“I am totally convinced that he is mentally prepared and technically prepared to play tomorrow night. For sure he will be ready,” he said.

“We are thrilled that Thomas is here because of his football skills and his human presence.”

The Spanish manager also mentioned Partey’s extensive experience, having played at the highest levels for Arsenal and Atletico Madrid, as a crucial component of Villarreal’s European aspirations.

He has a plenty of expertise and is an excellent player. He has performed for numerous elite clubs. We are aware of his high level. He will return to his peak, in my opinion. “I’m thrilled he’s on the team,” Marcelino continued.

Partey’s return to London brings added intrigue to a tie in which Villarreal will look to impose themselves against a Tottenham side eager to stamp their authority early in the group stage.