Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey proved yet again how important he currently is for Atletico Madrid by producing an excellent performance to help Rojiblancos beat Real Valladolid 1-0 in La Liga on Saturday night.
Partey was the second-best player on the field, according to whoscored.com as Atletico secured the important win to move into third in the standings.
Vitolo cashed in from poor positioning from Valladolid's debutant goalkeeper Jose Antonio Caro to head the ball just over the goalline. Although it was headed away by a defender, a VAR review ratified the linesman's decision to award the goal.
Partey with a rating of 7.3 was the second-best player on the night behind Uruguay defender José Giménez who earned a rating of 7.4.
The 27-year-old attempted two shots, 7.9 per cent possession, a pass success rate of 88 per cent, won three aerial duels and made two tackles.
Partey has been linked with a move away from the club this summer with Arsenal reportedly his desired destination.
However, Atletico Madrid are making great efforts to ensure that he stays in Spain.
Partey's compatriot, Mohammed Salisu was benched by Valladolid coach Sergio González Soriano.
A surprising decision considering the defender has been one of Valladolid's most consistent players this season.