Thomas Partey and his 50 matches at Atletico Madrid

The 2017/18 campaign has been Thomas Partey’s best season at Atletico Madrid as testified by the 50 games he played for the club.

It was undoubtedly his finest year so far since making his debut for Diego Simeone three seasons ago.

He clocked in a record amount of games, as well as minutes played and goals scored, while he set a multitude of other personal bests.

The 50 matches that he played are actually more than either of his previous two campaigns combined.

In his debut season of 2015/16, he played in 23 games and in the following one that number rose marginally to 24, bringing his total in that time to 47.

The continued growth and development he has enjoyed under Cholo’s tutelage culminated last season.

Having taken the No.5 shirt off Tiago after his retirement, he also filled the midfielder’s void superbly throughout the season.

His 50 games, 40 of which he started, are a testament to that.

Simeone put his confidence in him, handing the Ghanaian the keys to his midfield and he has responded in kind.

There has even been more of an attacking output, with Thomas scoring five goals – three in LaLiga, one in the Copa del Rey and another in the Champions League.

Without a World Cup to worry about and with the football season finally ending for him after last Tuesday’s friendly in Nigeria, Thomas can now enjoy his holidays.

Once those finish, his return date is set for July 11, along with the rest of the Atletico players who will not be in Russia.

Pre-season will start then for Thomas, whose focus will be on continuing to show that he is worthy of his starting spot in Atletico’s midfield.