This article is part of Football FanCast's In Numbers series, which takes a statistical look at performances, season-long form and reported transfer targets...

And just like that, the Madrid derby is already behind us.

Despite a goalless draw at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium, big clashes like the one of Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are always interesting and exciting.

Zinedine Zidane managed to keep his city rivals from effectively threatening his goal but Los Blancos were also guilty of taking a risk-averse approach to the game.

Still, one big part of their inefficiency in front of the goal was the control Atletico Madrid had in the middle of the pitch, and stemming from one individual, in particular - Thomas Partey.

Watch Spanish Football Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

Atletico Madrid's 26-year-old star was one of Rojiblancos' best performers on the night and one big part of the reason why Real Madrid struggled to create much.

Partey was a true linchpin in the middle of the park and he quickly established himself as a dominant presence in Los Blancos' faces.

The stats also support that thesis, although his contribution goes beyond that. He recorded 89.9% passing accuracy, one key pass and a total of four dribbles on the night, constantly threatening the Galacticos and keeping them on their toes. Of course, the versatile player he is, he also contributed a lot to Atletico Madrid's defensive system.

Partey tallied three tackles, one interception and two clearances throughout the game, making sure his counterparts in midfield were kept at bay.

He also registered team-highest 97 touches in the game, with the second-highest in his team being Kieran Trippier with 78. His contribution was evident and palpable.

Unfortunately, just like Real Madrid, Diego Simeone's troops were also not able to rattle the inside of the net so the teams had to share the spoils of war in a goalless draw.

But if there's anything Cholo should be happy about, then it's Partey's performance in midfield which not only created a lot for his team but also made sure the Galacticos couldn't do much going the other way.

Real Madrid, meanwhile, will need to find a better way to contain and contravene Partey the next time they come up against their city rivals.