West Ham United target Luke Thomas could be upgrade on Aaron Cresswell
West Ham have been linked to 20-year-old Leicester City left-back Luke Thomas but how does the youngster compare to Aaron Cresswell?
The 21-year-old defender came through the youth ranks at Leicester and the Guardian’s Jacob Steinberg has reported that the Hammers have the full-back on their radar.
The club are also in negotiations with Eintracht Frankfurt over the transfer of Filip Kostic, but the England under-21 international remains a possible target for the London club.
Steinberg wrote in his 22 July Guardian story: “Moyes is considering a move for for the Leicester left-back Luke Thomas.
“He is keen to bolster his left-hand side and has also set his sights on Filip Kostic.”
However, how does the young defender compare to Cresswell, and would he fit in at the London Stadium?
Thomas v Cresswell?
The two defenders have similar styles of play, both being high-energy players often seen marauding up and down the left flank.
Cresswell, who is 11 years Thomas’s senior, played 814 more league minutes than his younger counterpart last season and started 10 more games than the 21-year-old. [FBRef]
However, this did not stop Thomas from outperforming Cresswell in defensive terms, making more tackles, interceptions, and blocks than the England international.
Thomas, who made his Leicester debut in 2020, made 18 more tackles than Cresswell last season, 168 more pressures, and nine more blocks, showing his defensive intensity and how Cresswell’s game has changed as he gets older. [FBRef]
Offensively, Cresswell is by far the superoir player, with his free-kick expertise the worst kept secret at the club as well as providing three times more assists as Thomas.
However, in possession, Thomas again is not far away from Cresswell, with the duo recording almost identical pass completion percentages last season, while the youngster also trumped Cresswell in terms of progressive carries, successful dribbles, and distance covered per game. [FBRef]
At the age of 32, Cresswell may not be able to be relied on for too much longer, and in Thomas, it seems they could have a ready-made replacement.
He is an exciting defender, whose offensive game is improving day by day, while he has already established himself as defensively capable.
If the Hammers are able to get this deal over the line, in addition to the signing of Filip Kostic, their left-hand side could be sorted for some years to come.