Thomas Partey will have his chances at Atletico Madrid - Ibrahim Tanko

Ghana assistant coach Ibrahim Tanko wants to see midfielder Thomas Teye Partey get more playing time at Spanish club Atletico Madrid, more so in the final of major competitions.

The Odumasi-Krobo-born, who made 33 La Liga outings involving 28 starts last season, has made just 10 appearances involving four starts so far this term, heightening speculations about a possible move away in January.

Reports about his exit have also been based on the player’s frustrations about being sidelined in major cup finals, having made late appearances in the 2015-16 Uefa Champions League climax and the 2018 European Super Cup.

“Every coach has his way of thinking and that probably may have played a part in Partey’s bench roles in the two finals,” Tanko told Goal.

“In the Super Cup final for instance, he changed the game for Atletico to win with his assist when he came on.

“I’m sure he’s not happy to be sitting on the bench in the final games but it all depends on the coach [Diego Simeone] and the way he wants to approach the game and the type of players to use from the beginning or bring on later.

“Of course every player wants to play from the beginning in the final and even in every game. I believe he will have his chance.

“At the national team, he’s the one now pushing us forward more with the new role that we have given him, so I hope that he gets more playing time at club level.”

On Saturday, Partey played unarguably his best game of the season when he scored, provided an assist and launched a free-kick the led to the match winner as Atletico twice came from behind to snatch a 3-2 victory over Athletic Bilbao in La Liga.

The 25-year-old is reportedly on the wishlist of Arsenal, Chelsea and PSG.