Simeone reveals why Partey makes Atletico Madrid a 'better' force

Once again, Atletico Madrid's Thomas Teye Partey features in coach Diego Simeone's post-match presser.

On Wednesday, the Ghanaian lasted for the entire duration as the Rojiblancos registered a 2-1 victory over Athletic Bilbao in La Liga.

Impressively, the 24-year-old, who received a yellow card on 25 minutes in the game, has now started every Atletico match this season since sitting out the league opener at Girona due to suspension.

"Our goal was to give continuity in the game and both [Angel Correa] and Thomas [Partey] have managed to integrate themselves into the squad," Simeone said.

"We are better when there is strong competition within the squad - hopefully we can understand that."

Following loan spells at Mallorca and Almeria, Partey was drafted into Simeone's set-up in 2015-16 where he made 13 league appearances involving three starts.

He improved his stats last term with 16 topflight outings, six of which he featured from the blast of the referee's whistle.

"It was important to win here," Simeone said about Wednesday's victory at San Mames.

"After the first 20 minutes, we had clear goalscoring situations with [Nico] Gaitan, [Antoine] Griezmann and Filipe [Luis].

"[Jan] Oblak made a great save [from Aritz Aduriz's penalty] and that allowed us to grow in the first half.

"Gimenez gave us a lot in the second half; he was very good and forceful."

Atletico have a busy six days on their hands.

The Rojiblancos welcome Sevilla to the new Wanda Metropolitano in La Liga on Saturday, four days before hosting Chelsea in the Champions League.