Edwards feels on-loan Mainz midfielder could become a ‘complete footballer’ for Luton
Hatters boss Rob Edwards believes that loan signing Tom Krauß could well be on the way to becoming what he terms a ‘complete footballer’ during his time at Kenilworth Road.
The 23-year-old agreed to leave Bundesliga side FSV Mainz 05 to move to Bedfordshire and experience his first spell of English football back in August, although an injury prevented him from making his debut until coming off the bench when Luton faced Sheffield Wednesday the following month. He immediately endeared himself to the Town faithful in that cameo outing, producing an all-action display of pressing, harassing his opponents, with some tough tackling thrown into the mix as well, so much so that it allowed the Hatters to overturn a 1-0 deficit and triumph 2-1 thanks to two late goals from Carlton Morris.
Since then, Krauß has gone on to start Luton’s last seven league matches and while carrying on his high intensity efforts, is beginning to show other facets of his game as well, scoring his first goal for the club during the 2-2 draw against Oxford United, a clever run into the box and neat finish from Jacob Brown’s cross.
He then displayed some wonderful vision and weight of pass to deliver a perfect through ball for Elijah Adebayo to make it 2-0 at Coventry City recently, while Krauß was almost at it again during the 1-1 draw with West Bromwich Albion on Friday evening. First his ball for Adebayo was just about cleared by a well positioned goalkeeper Alex Palmer, who had ventured outside his area, as he then picked out Morris with the outside of his right boot, allowing the forward to have a crack at goal that was saved.
Discussing just how his creative side of the game is also coming to the fore, Edwards said: “That’s the stuff that we want to keep working with him on. When you play with the intensity that he does and win the ball back and have regains like he does, if you’re adding the other side of the game, assists and end product then you’re really getting round to being a complete footballer. He’s had a great start with us here at Luton and it’s great that everyone has taken to him so quickly as well and long may that continue.”
Edwards also felt that the fact he is noticeably adding different aspects to his all-round performance is part of the reason why he wanted to take the plunge and leave his home country in the first place, continuing: “He’s been really good, he’s exactly what we knew he was and is, loads of energy, his pressing and counter pressing is brilliant because of his upbringing and what he’s been used to in Germany.
“Talking to him today and Trolls (Paul Trollope) has been talking to him, he’s probably used to a little bit more control at times, but I think the way we play really suits him with that quick tempo and intensity. We’re always going to demand more now, there’s areas of his game that we’re going to try and keep working with him on and improving.
