Villarreal boss Marcelino has thrown his full support behind Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey as he prepares to face Tottenham Hotspur in the UEFA Champions League.
Partey will return to London after leaving Arsenal for Villarreal in the summer, he is expected to feature in Tuesday night’s high-profile UCL clash with Tottenham.
“I am totally convinced that he is mentally prepared and technically prepared to play tomorrow night,” Marcelino told reporters. “We are very happy Thomas is with us for his football capacity, football ability and his presence as a human.”
The Spanish coach described Partey as “a great player with a lot of experience” and expressed confidence that the 31-year-old will rediscover his best form with the Yellow Submarine.
Villarreal travel to North London knowing the encounter will be a stern test, but Marcelino insists Partey’s leadership and quality will be key to their hopes of upsetting Spurs on their own turf.
The Ghanaian midfielder spent three seasons at Arsenal before making the move to Spain, and Tuesday’s game will mark his first competitive return to the English capital since leaving the Gunners.
