Coventry City boss Mark Robins has paid Derby County’s Luke Thomas a huge compliment following his terrific form this season.
Coventry loaned Thomas, a Derby County academy graduate, for the season with the player receiving much-needed first-team experience.
Many at Pride Park have high hopes for the youngster, but his current form has even eclipsed those lofty expectations despite the winger netting just four League One goals this season.
Mark Robins admitted to Coventry Telegraph how he can see his enormous potential.
“He has got into those positions all season and if truth be told he could easily be on 30 goals. When he finally unlocks it with his brain he will unlock a terrific player because he works his socks off and gets into great positions.”
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How Luke Thomas should be considered for next season:
Thomas is regarded as one of Coventry’s best players this season and their most dangerous attacking outlet. With the Sky Blues two points off the League One playoffs, he could still have a big say in the promotion race.
Derby have their own promotion prospects this season. The Rams sit just two points adrift of the top six. However, on current form, promotion doesn’t seem all too likely and the club should look at the bigger picture.
Several Derby players are out of contract this summer and Frank Lampard will need to rebuild the squad. It allows the former Chelsea midfielder to start a fresh, and Thomas should certainly be in his plans.
Harry Wilson is expected to return to Liverpool. Martyn Waghorn’s best role is as a centre-forward, likewise Duane Holmes in central midfield. Derby’s only natural wide options are Tom Lawrence, Mason Bennett and Florian Jozefzoon, with the latter underwhelming since moving from Brentford.
Lampard’s main priorities this summer should be a central defender, a new midfielder and an attacking wide player. In Luke Thomas, he may already have one of those spots covered.
Also see: ‘I can’t see it’: Cameron Jerome gives honest assessment of Derby County’s promotion chances