Thomas Partey: a shadow of his former self at Villarreal | OneFootball

Is it linked to his legal troubles?

توماس بارتي: ظل نفسه في فياريال

Thomas Partey has struggled to recapture his top form since his arrival at Villarreal in the summer of 2025. The Ghanaian international has seen little game time, blocked by fierce competition in midfield. It seems his legal troubles have taken a toll on him.

Thomas Partey is a shadow of the player he once was. Joining on a free transfer after his contract with Arsenal expired, Partey has featured in 16 La Liga matches this season. However, he has started only 7 times, coming off the bench in 9 others, with 0 goals and 0 assists to his name. This lack of attacking impact, combined with his often limited minutes, paints the picture of a muted season. He is far from the influential midfield orchestrator he was for years at Atlético Madrid and Arsenal. His reduced playing time in recent matches suggests the coaching staff now favors other options in the center of the park, leaving Partey on the bench more often than not.

Blocked by the competition

Competition within the squad has frequently kept Partey out of the starting lineup, especially with players like Pap Gaye being preferred by Marcelino Garcia Toral. This has been particularly evident in tough fixtures, such as those against the league’s heavyweights.

Mental state affected? Questions surrounding his legal situation

Beyond his on-field form, Partey is currently at the center of a highly publicized legal case in England, where he faces multiple accusations of rape and sexual assault. In August 2025, he was charged in England with five counts of rape against two women and one count of sexual assault against a third, all of which he strongly denies.

He was released on bail to finalize his move to Villarreal. These charges have recently been expanded with two additional counts of rape, further intensifying the media spotlight on the case.

These developments have inevitably added external pressure on the player and his integration into the squad. It is difficult to precisely gauge how such off-field circumstances are impacting his performances.