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Sask’s Thoughts on Thomas

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Whether we like it or not, strikers are judged on the goals they score, rather than their overall contribution. If a player doesn’t score in a few games, the burden placed on their shoulders by us fans often weighs them down.

Goals are what strikers want and what we want from strikers. But is that really what we want? Yes, we need goals, but we also need someone who can work hard and be a thorn in every defenders side.

In my view, the best formation for us (and Gary Rowett disagrees) is to have two upfront. A good partnership of an attacking duo wins games proven only last year by Ighalo and Deeney.

In terms of Donaldson, he has had to adapt his game to be both players. He holds up the ball well and can win headers with ease. He also is a poacher which all strikers should be. But the man of many skills is keeping Thomas out of the starting 11.

If Donaldson was to partner Thomas, he would be able to knock the ball on for Thomas to use his pace to chase. I think that this hard working pair would put so much pressure on the defence that it would restrict the opposition to long balls. What a great tactic to have.

I also think that two up front would enable the likes of Toral and maybe Shinnie to be more creative as they have two men to find but also two men to cause chaos with off the ball runs so that the midfield can dribble and play through balls more effectively.

Thomas is powerful and can hold centre backs off very well. He has enough pace to chase loose balls as well as the ability to score goals as shown against Gillingham last Tuesday night.

No disrespect to our opponents that night, but it will be harder to score against Championship teams week in week out but confidence is a key component for strikers and the mid-week fixture will have helped Thomas no end.

Do you think that we should go to 2 upfront? Also, do you think that Thomas deserves more of a chance? If we did go to 2 upfront, I think that Thomas and Donaldson will go well together but maybe Gray, Arthur or even Maghoma may be striking options? Have your say in the comments below.

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