Miller Thomson, a young player for Dundee United, has “all the makings of a fabulous right-back,” according to manager Jim Goodwin.
With a dynamic threat in attack and a strong back four, Thomson was the headline change to the Irishman’s starting XI for a Championship match against Queen’s Park.
In front of 7,300 onlookers, he performed his full Tannadice bow and seemed unaffected. His first league start of any kind in tangerine came on March 20, 2022, the day we defeated St Mirren 2-1 in the top tier.
“I thought Miller Thomson handled the occasion particularly well,” Goodwin remarked of Thomson’s performance in front of a large audience in a large stadium. He will learn a great deal from that. I believe he will get better from that experience when we go back and review the game; he deserved the chance.
As a club that prefers to have the bulk of the ball in possession during games, we need players who can handle the ball in certain areas, and he can do so with ease. He has great quality when we try to play forward.
“I believe you also recognise the quality he brings from dead-ball circumstances. His second goal was delivered brilliantly, precisely where we wanted it to go.
THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT
Thomson is one of 13 home-grown players to feature in a competitive match for the Terrors this term. Academy graduates have contributed a combined 20 goal contributions towards United’s promotion push.
Furthermore, players aged under 23 account for more than a quarter of United’s first-team minutes this term. This is more than any cinch Premiership side in the 2022/23 campaign.
“As a manager, how are you ever going to find out if these players are ready if you don’t give them the opportunity to play first-team football?” resumed Goodwin.
“I believe that’s something I’ve attempted to accomplish throughout the campaign with players like Chris Mochrie, Kai Fotheringham, Owen Stirton, and Archie Meekison.”
“The Academy coaches deserve a great deal of credit because he has trained exceptionally well over the past few months with us and has earned his spot on the team.”
The dynamic 19-year-old’s entrance into the squad for the final stretch was made possible by an outstanding loan stint with Montrose. Thomson flourished in a central midfield role during his six months at Links Park, scoring three goals and providing two assists for Stuart Petrie’s team.
“I’m a big advocate of the loan system,” Goodwin continued. Miller had a great start to the season at Montrose, and I believe it’s crucial for these players to get some experience playing senior football. He is also a multi-position player.
“I believe he has the makings of a fantastic right-back, even though he spent the majority of his loan period in the midfield.” He still needs to fill out physically in a few areas. He is outstanding in terms of his defensive positioning overall; no one can ever outmanoeuvre him.
As a club that prefers to have the bulk of the ball in possession during games, we need players who can handle the ball in certain areas, and he can do so with ease. He has great quality when we try to play forward.
