I think he does come across as someone with leadership an someone who could grow into the role given time rather than forced into it too early, ideally he would be learning from an experienced midfield general now to take over in a few years time
Seems as though Thomas is one of those players whose reputation is growing as he doesn't play. I know he's young and by god I hope he improves but he certainly isn't the type of player you could label a "midfield general". I don't recall seeing him make a tackle last season!
Isn't Henderson supposed to be that sort of player? I seem to remember Robins saying something about having "a wand of a left foot" but also that he could "put his foot in when required."
Problem now is that we've already got more loan players than we can select, so that's not really an avenue for improving our options any more unless some go back.