How far Black Stars player, Thomas Partey has come

Thomas Partey is currently Ghana‘s brightest prospect playing in Europe, having made a major impact with Atletico Madrid over the last few years.

However, just a few years back, his rise looked as unlikely as he now emerging as a candidate for the Black Stars captaincy.

The 25-year-old grew up in Odumase Krobo and started his football career in the youth ranks of local side Odometah FC.

His shinning talent and impactful displays ensured he was signed by Atletico Madrid in the summer of 2011. Sometimes it is hard to believe that Diego Simeone‘s side is actually the first professional club that Partey signed for.

He was then just 18 years of age, and after a tough start to life in Spain, he was shipped out on loan to fellow Spanish side Real Mallorca.

However, the then teenager began to find his feat, playing 37 games and scoring five goals in the process for Mallorca in the second tier of Spanish football. But Atlético still felt he was not yet ready to play in their first team and sent him on another loan spell, this time to Almeria.

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Partey continued with his development and made 31 appearances in all competitions for the club, scoring four goals.

Upon his return to Atletico, he was finally given an opportunity in the first team and the rest, they say, is now history.

Partey has since been an integral part of Diego Simeone‘s side and played a key role as they won the Europa League last season.

At international level, he has now made 17 appearances since debuting two years ago. Partey also emerged as Ghana’s top scorer during the 2018 World Cup qualifiers, having been the country’s only bright spot in what was a tumultuous campaign.

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He is also the reigning SWAG Ghana footballer of the year and sports personality of the year after enjoying a stellar 2017/18 season at both club and international level.