Fine debut and a well-picked assist for someone that half the fan base hadn’t heard of 24 hours ago. It was good to see how the rest of the team sought to help him through the match, particularly Jonny Evans who was always available to cover him and avoided giving the ball in tight situations in his own half. It was also notable how often Vardy showed for him in the first half - not Vardy’s game at all but trying to make sure Thomas had an option.
It seems that Chilwell and Fuchs won’t be back this season, so we’ll likely see more of him. I dare say he’ll be challenged more in the upcoming games; he wasn’t properly tested as Sheffield Utd turned more to long balls instead of being able to isolate him - or anyone else come to that. Mourinho and Solskjaer will be more prepared and will come with a plan.
I do think he can likely be got at in the games to come, but credit where it’s due. This was not an easy situation to be thrown into and he came through it without making any particular mistakes. Hopefully he can see the next two games as an opportunity rather than high pressure, and of course he’ll get all next week training and preparing for the big one.
Luke Thomas
posted on 16/7/20
Promising debut, looks very good technically and wasn't phased by the occasion.
Sheff United were dreadful though, I look forward to seeing more from him in the coming games.
posted on 16/7/20
Well said Dunge, what I liked about him as well was that he kept the moves going, we spend half a game normally with Chilwell stopping and passing backwards slowing down forward momentum.
Thomas seemed to just flow better.
As you said, two tough games to come but as Chilwell is a poor defender anyway, is it anything to worry about?!
posted on 16/7/20
I’ll also say I though Justin had his best game so far as well, seems like Bournemouth May have been an awakening for all the players.
posted on 16/7/20
The ones that stood out to me were Tielemans and Morgan. I think Tielemans had his best game of the season, he was excellent on the ball and got through his fair share of work off it as well. He really stood up and took responsibility when needed.
Meanwhile Morgan may have been a horse for a course but he was dominant against anyone who came near him. He led by example with determination and composure.
posted on 17/7/20
I thought Justin had a good game and Barnes with Thomas down the left flowed... Morgan was great and nearly scored. Albeit in our goal.
Motm....... Brendon Rodgers! ( Or Gray?)
posted on 17/7/20
My first impression of Thomas is that he’s the real deal. It was so nice to see him find a man when attacking the final 3rd. Chilwell and Justin have been guilty here.
Like you say, we’ll find out more in the next two games but that was a fine debut!!
posted on 17/7/20
Very impressive debut. Maybe the first player to make his professional debut and instantly look like he's already PL quality since...Heskey? Note that Rodgers has today said that Chilwell isn't for sale. Wouldn't expect him to say anything else but maybe the idea is to keep him for another year and gradually faze Thomas in over the next 12 months?
Was also impressed with Tielemans, I think he's been generally our worst midfielder this season but yesterday was more like the guy we saw last season. Also think Perez continues to look better in a more central, more free role than he ever has out wide.
posted on 18/7/20
Thomas is a confident kid with skills, I love his energy and directness and I think he has a future at the club. Play him again Sunday
posted on 18/7/20
Excellent debut. Hopefully he can keep up the development and won't get too much criticism if he makes the odd mistake in more challenging circumstances.
In an ideal world neither he not Justin would be in the side yet on a regular basis, they are still very much learning their trade but have been thrust forward due to injuries.