Atletico Madrid Simeone will be delighted with midfielder's form

It is no secret that coaches across the board have fairly negative opinions about international breaks, however Diego Simeone will be pleased to see Thomas Partey excelling while on duty with Ghana.

Thomas has been in fantastic form as he has helped guide the Black Stars back into a position where they can qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

He scored a late equalising goal near the end of a clash with the Congo on Friday evening with defeat likely ending the team's hopes of qualification.

Ever since he broke into the national team in January, Thomas has been an ever present for Avram Grant and it is hoped this experience will serve him well back in Madrid.

Simeone does not yet trust the 24-year-old as a regular starter in midfield, although given the quality ahead of him in Koke and Saul Niguez that isn't a major surprise, with the Ghanaian often used as an impact substitute.

The Argentine coach did give Partey an opportunity against Las Palmas in the last fixture and he didn't disappoint as the midfielder got himself on the score-sheet in a routine win.

It is unlikely that the Koke/Saul axis will be broken anytime soon but it is important for the former River Plate coach to realise that if injury hits, he then has a player he can totally rely on.

There has been a sense that the academy graduate has benefitted greatly from the faith shown in him thus far this term with the significance of being given Tiago's No. 5 shirt not lost on him.

Upward Trajectory

Working into a first-team position has been a gradual process for the Ghanaian international ever since he was brought into the squad in the 2015/16 season.

Two loan spells with Real Mallorca and Almeria saw Thomas develop his understanding of LaLiga, an experience that has proven invaluable ever since.

Loanees have endured largely disappointing spells with Los Rojiblancos under Simeone and it is worth noting that Thomas, along with Saul and Luciano Vietto, is one of just three who have been given significant football upon their return from a spell away.

Versatility is an attribute that is of ever increasing importance in modern football and explains why certain players are liked by coaches across the continent.

Marouane Fellaini and Jose Mourinho enjoy a relationship of total trust, Nacho Fernandez and Zinedine Zidane work similarly well together and Thomas' versatility makes him equally as important to his coach.

Atleti were in an unenviable position this summer as a result of their transfer ban yet the improved form of their Ghanaian midfielder has totally made up for the lack of midfield signings.