Ex Atletico Madrid youth coach Alfredo Santaelena is not shocked by Thomas Partey’s displays in Diego Simeone’s team and has praised him for his improved form.

Thomas has played superbly so far this season with 2 goals in his first eight games across all competitions.

He was named man-of-the-match vs Madrid in their goalless derby and also scored his team’s winner in their UCL game on Wednesday.

Speaking on his performance recently, the ex-coach who managed him during his days in the academy, said he is very happy with his progress in the team, calling him a talisman.

His words, “You could see how good he would become ever since he arrived at the academy,”

“Right now, he’s the boss of the team, the Gabi [Fernandez] that played in front of the back four for all those years.

“Cholo went for him quickly because when you see a boy with this quality, who is a wonder physically and who improves tactically and grows, well he was always going to end up among the elite.

“Thomas was very intelligent, he learned quickly, and he was one of the most important players in the academy at the time.

“He had very good technical and physical qualities. He improved a lot on the tactical side [of the game] because that was where he needed to improve the most. But he was impressive.

“And you could also see the mind that he had: with his feet on the ground and things very clearly set out. He had everything [he needed] in order to reach the elite.”

“Right now, he’s the talisman in the [Atletico] team. He’s improved so much. Physically he’s a wonder, he fills space very well, he’s much more organised tactically, he’s always well-positioned and he’s good on the ball,” he added.

“He does a great job and makes Atletico tick. With Koke and Saul [Niguez] alongside him in the centre of midfield, he has a lot of support.”

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