Villarreal coach Marcelino García Toral did not hold back in his criticism of Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey following the defeat to Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League.

Partey was handed a starting spot on Wednesday in a tie where Villarreal had already been eliminated from the competition.

However, the 32-year-old was hooked off at half-time for Georges Mikautadze after the German side took a 2-0 lead, though they added a third goal 12 minutes into the second half.

Gaffer Marcelino was not impressed with Partey, who joined the club in the summer from English Premier League side Arsenal.

“There's a world of difference between the Thomas we knew at Arsenal and this one,” Marcelino said.

“A world of difference. It's very difficult to play at this pace in today's football.

“I think it's been six months, and that's enough time for this player to show us what he was or what he's showing now.”

Partey has made 21 appearances for the Spanish side this campaign but has played the full 90 minutes just five times.