Leicester: Does Luke Thomas have a future as an England international?

Statistically, Thomas shows up very well for a full-back inside the goal-creating department. When compared with Europe’s top five leagues (Premier League, Ligue 1, La Liga, Bundesliga, and Serie A), Thomas’ assists per 90 rank him inside the top 18% for full-backs (with 0.17). The Syston-born left-back also ranks highly for “non-penalty goals” and “npxG” (non-penalty expected goals) with 0.08 & 0.07 p/90 respectively – placing him in the top 19% and 21% of all full-backs.

I do think his infrequent game time is a boost for this, as more minutes in the tank will probably lower these values. But, it’s a clear indication of his qualities in the final third – something I feel he’s very good at. Lastly, his “shot-creating actions” per 90 are also impressive – 2.09 – ranking him in the top 28%. I’ve only highlighted the metrics he does well in (in an attacking sense).

Thomas’ abilities lie within his attacking third involvements and defensive assurance. I think the middle third (possession-orientated) is an area that needs work, and will probably rule him out of an England squad reliant on ball retention. Brendan Rodgers has slightly alluded to the 19-year-old’s frailties in this department by inverting him – giving an earlier passing lane to Harvey Barnes – seemingly bypassing the youngster.