Interim All Whites coach Neil Emblen has named the talented teenager, who scored his first league goal for his Dutch Eredivisie side PEC Zwolle last week, as one of six members of the Junior All Whites side at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Turkey last year included for the senior match-up with Japan.
Thomas, with just over half a season of professional football under his belt, is approaching his senior national selection with a level head.
“Coming into the squad I just want to stay calm and be myself,” Thomas said. “If I play the way I always play, things will be good. I’m just aiming to play good football.”
Good football is certainly something Thomas has been playing a lot of in recent times with the youngster adapting quickly to life at the top level in Holland.
After initially joining PEC Zwolle on a one-year deal mid-way through 2013, Thomas earned a contract extension before December with the youngster now locked up by the Dutch club through to 2018.
Thomas puts his great start down to the experiences he’s had on and off the field since his arrival in the hotbed of Dutch professional football.
“Since I’ve been here I’ve matured a lot in the way I play, and I’ve also learnt a lot from the players about the things off the pitch as well.”
Thomas’ learning curve followed an arc through the Northern Regional Football League with Melville United and the ASB Premiership with Waikato FC while the talented teen also featured in the New Zealand side at the 2013 OFC U-20 Championship in Fiji and the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Turkey.
“The U-20s was good for me, I learnt a lot and it was good to play in front of big crowds before I left for Holland.”
When the squad meets up in Japan, Thomas will see some familiar faces from the age-group World Cup experience with Tim Payne, Cameron Howieson, Tyler Boyd, Bill Tuiloma and Storm Roux all included in Emblen’s youthful side.
While Thomas and Boyd are the only uncapped All Whites from that group, the Wellington Phoenix attacker – who has also spent time at Melville and Waikato FC – has shown New Zealanders what he can do as an A-League regular. Thomas, after his quick move off shore, will be an unknown quantity for some.
Not for long.
“I like playing as an attacking midfielder or on the left wing. I think my strengths are my passing and dribbling, plus I’m a hard worker.”
Given Thomas’ early exploits in the top level of Dutch football, get used to seeing his refreshing game, and his fresh face, at the very top of the game.
For more on New Zealand football go to www.nzfootball.co.nz

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