Right, as his season is over there's a few things that have been mentioned over the last months that I'd look to bring back up.
Firstly starting with his Attack. I think he's demonstrated numerous times this season his ability to find himself in dangerous positions in attack, whether it be from set-pieces or more impressively in open play. When he makes one his marauding runs forward he does it with a purpose, he knows what he's doing. I'd suggest a 2 point raise to a 67, possibly even a 68 level with Kolo Toure though I think Kolo may just be ahead of Thomas.
Paddy mentioned it a few pages back, his Agility could use a slight bump to a
79 to sit him better on the ladder. Defensively I've rarely seen Thomas be out-manoeuvred, he genuinely doesn't have too much problem keeping up with the movements of opposition players. One notable exception this season being Lionel Messi who made him look a bit of a fool, but who does find it easy marking Messi? Whilst on the ball Thomas also shows a good ability to turn when combined with his small frame (for a CB) a
79 feels good.
Dribbling wise, I think his DA needs to be raised. He's a very competent dribbler, even moreso than a lot of SB's. He shows good close control and has no problem bringing the ball out from the back and initiating attacks. He's not exactly going to go on a mazing run and take on defenders left, right and centre but he's more than capable of taking the ball through crowded spaces. I have him on an
77 which in ladder terms would put him level with fellow CB's Carvalho, Heitinga and Rio Ferdinand.
Paddy suggested an
80 for DS previously and that's what I also have him on. There's not too much I can say on the issue, he's generally just quite quick on the ball.
I also think his short passing could be tweaked. He can play the ball through heavily congested areas of the pitch with relative ease at times showing both the accuracy and weight of pass required. From his position he doesn't always get a chance to showcase his short passing ability but it's easy to see when he makes his forays up the pitch, he can link up nicely and deliver crisp accurate passes into the feet of the intended target. I have him on SPA:
76, SPS:
77As Paddy again proposed a few pages back, his SP/ST could be tweaked to
84/71 respectively. Thomas' shooting abilities have been there for all to see this season. He's very adept at striking a ball cleanly and with good power scoring a few wonderful goals this season. Only a slight change but it sits a bit better.
I'd raise his FKA to a 69. He's taken a few direct free kicks this season and though they never really troubled to keeper he can get the ball up and over the wall with a decent degree of accuracy.
I disagreed with a further raise earlier in the season but having a chance to see him week in, week out I feel his Jump can still go up. Thomas really does have a ridiculous spring and if I'm being honest, I've rarely seen him struggle against anyone in the air. He manages to get up very early and tower above even some of the biggest players in the league with is no mean feat considering he's sometimes giving up 10cms in height. I could see him sitting on an
89.
Thomas is also very adept at receiving the ball. His first touch is generally of a good standard, even in more advanced areas of the pitch where he's under more pressure from opposition players. By normal terms it's nothing exceptional but by CB standards he's clearly one of the better technically gifted players in the league. I have him on a
78.
It's been mentioned alot previously but Thomas joins in attacks very frequently, quite often multiple times in a match. I personally have him on a 72 but it could be a 71.
One thing that's impressed me alot is his desire regardless of the situation. For a very technically gifted player he still has the grit and determination of someone who
loves to defend. He has a "never say die" attitude and generally gives his all in every aspect of his play, he's not afraid to come out from his position and tightly pressure opponents. Even when things aren't going the team's way he still plays the same, maybe even appearing
more determined. I personally have him on an
84.
I'd bump his Condition to a
7 for now, he rarely missed a game this season and when he did it was due to injury not fatigue. I'd also give him a
7 for Consistency, I can't recall too many times that he put a bad performance in to be honest. Some games he may have been a bit quiet but always a highly consistent performer.
Lastly on the suggestion front, I may just backtrack on my idea about Extra Attacker. My hesitancy is more down to disliking the card itself rather than it not applying. It has all of the traits that Thomas displays
except for the fact it makes him join in attacks
off of the ball. In all honesty I can't think of many CB's that actually
do join in attacks off the ball so in essence no-one would get the card then.
To summarise:
- Attack: 67
- Agility: 79
- Dribble Accuracy: 77
- Dribble Speed: 80
- Short Pass Accuracy: 76
- Short Pass Speed: 77
- Shot Power: 84
- Shot Technique: 71
- Free Kick Accuracy: 69
- Jump: 89
- Technique: 78
- Aggression: 71/72
- Mentality: 84
- Condition/Fitness: 7
- Consistency: 7
- + P18 - Extra Attacker
Now as an Arsenal fan I'm very self-conscious about some of these suggestions so that I don't overrate him as he's made a massive impact on the club (and the league) this season. Thoughts?
Alf Ramsey: "I'll be watching you for the first 45 minutes and if you don't work harder I'll pull you off at halftime."
Rodney Marsh: "Crikey Alf, at Manchester City all we get is an orange and a cup of tea."