- Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey finally made his first appearance for Villarreal following his summer move to the Spanish side
- The Ghanaian international featured as a second-half substitute in the Yellow Submarine’s preseason clash against Aston Villa
- Fans took to social media to heap praise on the 32-year-old for his impactful display
Thomas Partey’s Villarreal journey officially began on Sunday, August 10, when he stepped onto the pitch for the first time in yellow during the Trofeo de la Cerámica.
The Ghanaian midfielder has been under intense legal scrutiny in the United Kingdom, yet all eyes in Castellón were on his football rather than the headlines.
Source: Getty Images
Thomas Partey makes Villarreal debut
The Yellow Submarine were trailing Aston Villa by two goals when Partey was introduced in the 72nd minute.
Ollie Watkins had opened the scoring before Emiliano Buendia added a second just after the break.
From his first touch, Partey brought calmness to Villarreal’s midfield.
His passes were crisp, his movement assured, and one clever through ball nearly carved out a goal for the home side.
The rhythm of the game began to change, with the crowd responding to his control in the middle of the park.
Though Villarreal could not find a way back, losing 2-0, there was optimism in the second-half performance, as noted by KickGH.
For Partey, it was a promising cameo that hinted at what he might bring to Marcelino’s team in the season ahead.
Fans react to Partey’s debut appearance
Supporters quickly took to social media to share their thoughts:
@parteysznx wrote:
“Thomas Partey is bossing the midfield 🔥🔥🤭”
@Skefonzi added:
“He was fantastic.”
@SptsHistorian noted:
“It was delightful to watch as the Villarreal fans cheered him up anytime he touches the ball. What a player!”
@mmcenchxxvii shared:
“That first touch with that killa through pass herhhh😭🔥🔥🔥 Partey be some wild baller ooo.”
@benjaminjilo summed it up simply:
“Best DM.”
According to Flashscore, Villarreal now shift focus to their La Liga opener against newly promoted Real Oviedo on Friday, August 15.
Source: Getty Images
Partey’s ongoing legal case
The 32-year-old’s arrival in Spain comes during a difficult chapter in his personal life.
The former Arsenal midfielder, who joined the Gunners from Atletico Madrid in 2020 for £45 million, left the London club when his contract expired at the end of June.
Just four days later, he was charged with five counts of non-consensual acts involving two women, and one count of sexual assault involving a third woman.
Partey has denied the allegations and was granted conditional bail by Westminster Magistrates’ Court last Tuesday.
Under his bail conditions, he must not contact any of the three women and is required to inform police of any permanent change of address or international travel.
Stonebwoy, Appiah react to Partey’s first Villarreal training
In a related report, YEN.com.gh shared that Thomas Partey’s first training session with Villarreal sparked reactions from Stephen Appiah and Stonebwoy.
Stonebwoy, born Livingston Etse Satekla, kept his response short yet impactful, posting two fire emojis.
Similarly, Appiah showed his support with two flexed muscle emojis, signalling encouragement for the Ghanaian midfielder.
Source: YEN.com.gh
