“Marti Cifuentes Shocks Fans by Naming Leicester City’s SECRET WEAPON as a New Rival Steals the Spotlight!”
Marti Cifuentes hails ever-present Leicester star who has featured more than any outfield player this season
Luke Thomas looks set to retain his place in the Leicester City starting line-up, with manager Marti Cifuentes describing him as “one of the best performers” this season.
The academy graduate has started every game so far and logged more minutes than any other outfield player. However, competition has now returned for the left-back role following Victor Kristiansen’s recovery from injury.
The Danish defender, who had been sidelined after a training-ground collision in the summer left him needing a protective mask, was back in the squad at the weekend but did not feature from the bench.
Last season, Kristiansen made twice as many Premier League starts as Thomas, yet the balance currently favours the homegrown talent.
Thomas strengthened his standing last week by signing a new contract running until 2029, and he enjoys the full support of his manager.
Cifuentes praised both Thomas and midfielder Louis Page after their recent extensions, highlighting the value of academy products.
“Players from the academy have an advantage in their connection with the club and what it represents,” Cifuentes explained.
“But above all, they need to be good players, otherwise we wouldn’t be continuing with them. Luke has been consistent and has improved in many aspects of his game.
He’s been among the best performers since I arrived, and he knows there’s still room to progress. The contract renewals for him and Louis show that we have a clear plan.”
When Leicester were last in the Championship, both Thomas and Kristiansen spent time out on loan, the former with Sheffield United and Middlesbrough, and the latter with Bologna. This season, though, the pair will compete directly for the same role.
On the opposite side of defence, Ricardo Pereira and Hamza Choudhury are rivals for the right-back slot. Meanwhile, youngster Bade Aluko provides additional depth.
The 18-year-old, who captains the Under-21s and impressed during pre-season, has continued to shine in development squad fixtures since August.
Aluko featured mainly as a left-back last term but is capable of playing on either side, and has also filled in at centre-back, making him a versatile option for Cifuentes as the campaign progresses.
