Features
LUN 04.01.2016
- He was born in Odumase Krobo (Ghana) on June 13, 1993 and grew up playing in teams from his home town.
- He's the oldest of eight children in his family.
- His father runs and trains a team in Odumase Krobo, where Thomas started playing until he was nine.
- While playing for that team, his father gave him the nickname "Senegal", because he reminded him of a friend with the same name.
- After playing for his father's team, Thomas developed as a footballer in a neighbourhood side while waiting for new opportunities.
- The chance to take a big step up came when Tema Youth, a Ghanaian team from Division Two, spotted him. With them he experienced a promotion play-off to the Ghanaian top flight.
- His performances were noted by the scouts and glowing reports about his abilities swept through the country. Thomas has said an agent registered interested with him in 2011 despite never having seen him play.
- His agent quickly saw his potential and decided to take him to Spain, where he was given a trial with the Atletico Madrid youth academy. The Rojiblanco coaching staff did not hesitate to sign him.
- In four months, he made the leap from their Under 18s to the Under 19s, and a season later he was already in the 'Colchonero' second team. He was loaned out to RCD Mallorca and Almeria before Diego Simeone would give him a run in the first team.
- He has yet to represent his country. After playing for RCD Mallorca he trained with Ghana's Under 20s but did not make the squad for the 2013 Under 20 World Cup in Turkey.
© LALIGA - 2016