Sor points... Here’s all you need to know about new Wales recruit Sorba Thomas
SORBA Thomas has been listed in the Wales squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers with Czech Republic and Estonia.
Here’s everything you need to know about the uncapped star...
Who is Sorba Thomas?
THOMAS is 22 years of age and plays for Championship side Huddersfield Town.
He joined the Terriers from Boreham Wood in January 2021.
What position does he play?
THOMAS’ preferred position is as a winger, although he can also operate at wing-back.
How does he qualify to play for Wales?
THOMAS was born in London, although he can represent Wales as his mother was born in Newport.
Wales boss Rob Page has been monitoring the 22-year-old for some time after it became apparent that he was eligible to play for the Red Dragons.
Endearing himself to the Red Wall
THOMAS’ eligibility for Wales was made public in the summer, and it sparked a significant amount of debate among supporters.
His performances on the pitch for Huddersfield have been eye-catching to say the least, with Thomas scooping the Championship Player of the Month award for August having scored one goal and registering four assists during the opening month of the season.
Speaking after taking the prize, Thomas commented: “Now my challenge is to maintain this form as we head into the rest of the season, and I’m determined to keep improving.
“My aim is to keep performing, keep helping Huddersfield Town get points on the board and hopefully push into the Wales squad too!”
Thomas recently went viral on Welsh Twitter after significantly altering his personal FIFA card.
The latest edition of the popular video game will be released in the United Kingdom this weekend, and ahead of the launch, the ratings of players were revealed.
Thomas’ personal data included the logo of an England flag, although the 22-year-old plastered the Welsh flag over the top of it.
The caption of his picture posted on social media read: “I’m not happy with this. A lot has gotta be changed here.”
What can Wales fans expect from Thomas?
STEVEN Chicken - who covers Huddersfield Town for our sister title YorkshireLive - said: “Sorba Thomas has been something of a revelation for Huddersfield Town this season.
“We were already impressed with his attitude after he arrived from non-league Boreham Wood in January, but always felt he was more of a project for the long term.
“His first Championship start came on the opening day of the season as Huddersfield were without both left-backs after positive Covid tests.
“That meant he filled in at left wing-back against Derby County – and he was head and shoulders the best player on the pitch.
“Though he’s a winger by trade, Thomas has largely stayed at wing-back since then and has put in some truly sensational performances.
“To give you an idea of that level: we believe his two assists and a solo goal against Reading earned him the first 10/10 player rating our newspaper has given out for 17 years, and helped earn him the Championship player of the month for August.
“The last couple of games have suggested that run was a player hitting top form rather than something we can expect every game, but he is quick, he is hungry, he is direct, and above all else his deliveries from set pieces have been absolutely wonderful, turning one of the club’s major long-standing weaknesses into their greatest strength overnight.”
What have Huddersfield said about him?
SPEAKING about Thomas ahead of his side’s Championship clash with
Blackburn Rovers, Huddersfield head coach Carlos Corberan said: “We need to support Sorba.
“I said when he was playing well he had a big challenge to keep his consistency.
“Some players need more time to make the impact, some make it quick, but after you make the impact you need to be ready to keep consistent.
“Now other players know who Sorba Thomas is and they’re going to be focused on him. He needs to keep his confidence, keep being selfdemanding and look to be consistent.”
And what about Wales?
ROB Page commented: “First and foremost, you’ve got to look at him as a character. I don’t know the lad personally.
“It didn’t go to plan for him as a young lad, he was at West Ham’s academy and got released.
“He went Non-League and he wasn’t afraid then to drop down a couple of levels and go again. I think he deserves an enormous amount of credit for that
“To go to Boreham Wood and have four seasons there, play really well and then Huddersfield take him. He dipped in and out of the Championship at the back end of last season but has hit the ground running this season.
“I’ve been to see him a couple of times and I’ve been really impressed. Last month he got Player of the Month in the Championship, so he’s making a name for himself. It’ll be nice now to work with him and have a look at him closely.”