Thomas Partey, Atletico Madrid's secret weapon LaLiga Scores crucial goals

The critics were already circling around Thomas Partey after his unconvincing display at Leganes.

Diego Simeone dropped the Ghanaian against Eibar, favouring Marcos Llorente in his position instead.

Thomas needed just seven minutes to silence the doubters at the Estadio Wanda Metropolitano on Sunday as he proved himself to everyone watching.

Simeone knew exactly what he was doing when he brought on the defensive minded midfielder for Joao Felix in the 84th minute with Atletico needing a goal to win.

Thomas' attacking threat isn't one of Los Rojiblancos' most used weapons but there is no doubting his ability to score or create goals if really needed.

His first Atletico goal came during the 2015/16 season when he scored the winner against Levante at the Estadio Vicente Calderon after coming on as a late substitute.

This moment draws similarities with what happened on Sunday when Simeone threw him on with six minutes to go to score the winner in stoppage time.

Thomas' three goals last season (against Huesca, Athletic Club and Alaves) came as a result of his powerful shots from distance.

There was also evidence of his forward thinking against Real Madrid in 2018's UEFA Super Cup as he assisted Saul in extra time.

With the attacking positions that he takes up, it's no coincidence that Thomas comes to Atletico's rescue now and again.