Academy graduate to become the next Leicester star

Sam Allardyce’s West Brom side offer physical dominance in defence, and – somewhat – attacking flair in their forwards. I highlight this to add extra credit to Thomas, who managed to win the most aerial duals in the fixture (with four). The ability to be successful in aerial duals is very advantageous for relieving pressure, especially for Schmeichel who utilises the wing-backs in possession once being pressed.

Even if used in small quantities, to have the ability to play in the air into Thomas – and feel confident knowing he’ll win the majority of his duels – is great. Combine this with his impressive nature in possession for a player as young as he is and you’ve got a real asset inside the Foxes squad.

It’s not the first time Leicester have graduated a real talent from the academy, and it surely won’t be the last – particularly with Sidnei Tavares and Khenya Leshabela becoming increasingly prevalent in the first-team squad, after impressing for the U23’s. It will be difficult for Thomas to puncture the starting places under Rodgers – with the amount of quality in the full-backs currently – but he always performs when asked upon and will eventually become a focal point of the Foxes future.