LUKE THOMAS is trying to learn from “unstoppable” wing-backs Ben Chilwell and Reece James – but hopes to shut them down today.
The Leicester left-back, 20, will come face-to-face with the England stars this lunchtime when Chelsea visit the King Power.
And Thomas feels the Blues’ wide-boys are transforming what is expected of wing-backs with their astonishing output under Thomas Tuchel.
The England Under-21 ace said: “Those two together at Chelsea at the minute are unstoppable. They’re both on fire, they’re both scoring goals.
“Chilly went four in four and Reece James scored a brace at Newcastle. It’s a bit mad how many goals for a wing-back they’re getting.
“But I suppose if you’re in the box that many times, then you get the opportunities and they’ve taken them so far.
“They’re attacking wing-backs which is what I aspire to be in the future. Hopefully I can learn from them, take that into my game and get more goals.”
Thomas has become Leicester’s first-choice this term on the left side of defence – a position once owned by Chilwell before he moved to Stamford Bridge for £45million last year.
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That has been in part due to James Justin’s long-term knee injury and the ex-Luton man will no doubt give Thomas a run for his money when he is fully fit.
Thomas was not expecting to be picked by Brendan Rodgers when Chilwell left, but now he is studying his predecessor’s movement to help his own game.
Chilwell netted last month against Southampton, Brentford and Norwich – as well as grabbing his first international goal in England seniors’ 5-0 win in Andorra.
Thomas, who featured for the Young Lions against Czech Republic and Georgia sides over the international break, explained: “I think wing-back is a position that’s vital. But I think it’s about timing.
“I’ve been watching Chilly recently and he’s had the timing on point.
“Either when he’s going into the box and he’s going to get a chance to score, or if he is going to hold off and help his defenders out in case of a counter-attack.
“I wouldn’t say it’s a defensive role or an attacking role. It’s a bit of both. If you get the chance to get into the box, then definitely I’d get in there.”
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