Yahoo News Stoke City boss finds praise for 'outstanding' unsung hero ahead of contract decision
Steven Schumacher has praised Jordan Thompson for his consistency across positions over the last four months at Stoke City – as Thompson reaches a significant milestone in his career at the club.
Thompson, aged 27, has become only the second player – and the first senior signing – to make 150 appearances for Stoke since relegation from the Premier League in 2018, in what is probably a sign of the club’s tumult over the past six years.
He capped that personal moment with one of his best performances in a Stoke shirt, starring in a 3-0 win over Plymouth in central midfield. Now he is tasked with sealing the club’s Championship status in the final two games of the season.
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The Northern Ireland international is out of contract beyond that but, whatever happens next, his contribution in the first chapter of Schumacher’s reign has been appreciated.
Schumacher said: “He’s been really good, JT, since we’ve come here. I think he’s been really consistent.
“He’s played nearly all the time, he’s played at left-back for us, he’s played at wing-back for us, and against Plymouth he showed the quality that he’s got. That’s obviously his preferred position.
“I thought he was outstanding. He won loads of second balls, intercepted things, got across and helped Enda (Stevens) when (Morgan) Whittaker had the ball, which was dead important - you’ve got to try to stop Morgan when you can.
“He was brilliant. He showed what a good player he is. In the first half he got on the ball and kept things ticking, and for him to play 150 games for this club is really good and I’m sure he’ll play some more.”
Tyrese Campbell (158) is the only other Stoke player with as many games for Stoke under his belt since 2018 and Ben Wilmot (107) is the only other current first teamer to pass 100. Campbell is also out of contract this summer.
