Thomas’ Breakthrough Season Reviewed
It’s been a meteoric rise for Syston-born Thomas, who has cemented his place in the first team squad after coming through the ranks at the Club’s Academy and Under-23s.
On the books since the age of eight, the full-back is a Leicester City supporter filled with pride every time he takes to the field for the Foxes.
Playing as a left-wing back as part of a back five, or in a more conventional left-back role in a back four, Thomas has smoothly adapted to the rigours of Premier League and European football this season, equally comfortable in defensive and attacking positions.
Coming in as a young prospect looking to make his mark, Thomas made his full senior debut against Sheffield United after the Premier League’s restart in July 2020 and enjoyed two further starts at the end of the 2019/20 campaign.
In 2020/21, meanwhile, the England youth international emerged as a regular in Brendan Rodgers’ starting XI, playing 25 times in all formats, including 14 appearances in the top flight and helping to achieve seven clean sheets.
His first Premier League start of the season was a memorable one as Leicester continued a fine away record by beating Leeds United 4-1 at Elland Road in early November. In fact, in all competitions, City won four of the first five games that the youngster appeared in this term.
The Emirates FA Cup brought Thomas his first piece of silverware and, having featured in the fourth and fifth round wins over Brentford and Brighton & Hove Albion, he started the Wembley final success against Chelsea, ending the Club’s 137-year wait for the coveted trophy.
The 20-year-old also starred in all but one of Leicester’s UEFA Europa League games, including the 4-0 triumph over SC Braga on Filbert Way, the Club's biggest-ever European victory, and his first City goal came in the reverse fixture - a crucial 3-3 draw away at Braga on matchday four.
Luke Thomas vs. Manchester United
A brilliant first-time finish by Luke Thomas gave Leicester the lead in their 2-1 victory over the Red Devils in the Premier League.
Guiding James Maddison’s low centre past goalkeeper Matheus Lima Magalhães' grasp with his right foot to equalise in Portugal, the result confirmed the team’s passage from Group G and into the last 32 of the competition, ending with a total of 13 points from six group games.
His maiden Premier League strike, meanwhile, helped secure a 2-1 victory away at Manchester United – Leicester’s first win at Old Trafford since 1998. It was also a stunning strike, nominated for the Premier League's Budweiser Goal of the Month for May.
After a neat exchange of passing, Youri Tielemans was sent racing away down the right and his first-time cross was met by Thomas at the back post, who took the ball in his stride and sent a controlled, side-footed volley into the roof of the net, with David de Gea given no chance of keeping it out.
There is undoubtedly more to come from Luke Thomas as he continues to impress in a Leicester City shirt.