Thomas Partey

Key strength: Ball retention

Deep-lying playmaker

At 32 years old, Ghanaian veteran Thomas Partey finds himself in a transitional role at Villarreal CF, a club currently sitting 4th in the table. While the Yellow Submarine chases Champions League qualification through the dynamic contributions of stars like Georges Mikautadze (80) and Pape Gueye (78), Partey operates in the shadows as a deep-lying playmaker valued at €5 million. With just 4 appearances totaling 360 minutes this season, the defensive midfielder has yet to register a goal or assist, but his true value lies in his exceptional ball retention—an attribute that allows him to stabilize possession when called upon. In a squad rich with attacking talent, Partey's understated presence offers managerial flexibility: a reliable option to protect leads, manage fixture congestion, or steady the ship in high-pressure moments. Though his FIFA rating of 52 reflects his declining physical attributes, his footballing intelligence remains intact, making him a valuable squad asset as Villarreal's European ambitions take shape.