Thomas Lam

AZ Alkmaar

Lam started his youth career at AFC before moving to AZ Alkmaar in 2005, where he progressed through the academy and started his senior career at AZ Alkmaar in 2011, where he signed his first professional contract. Shortly after, Lam was given number twenty–eight shirt for the new season. Though he made no appearance in the 2011–12 season, it was announced on 13 April 2012, Lam signed a contract with AZ, keeping him until 2016 and was named Finnish Tale

In the 2012–13 season, Lam suffered a setback when he suffered a thigh problems at the start of the season. It wasn’t until on 16 September 2012 when Lam made his AZ debut, coming on as a substitute for Giliano Wijnaldum in the late substitute, in a 1–0 home win over Roda JC. Having spent the most of the season, Lam, however, received a straight red card in the 31st minutes, in a 2–1 win over Heracles Almelo on 31 March 2013 and served a two match suspension as a result. Despite this, Lam went on to finish the season, making six appearance for the club.

In the 2013–14 season, Lam was demoted back to the reserve side following the newly arrival of Dick Advocaat. Despite this, Lam scored his first AZ goal on 12 December 2013, in a Europa League against PAOK, in a 2–2 draw. This turned out to be his only appearance for the club this season. During years 2011–14 he gained 6 caps in Eredivisie.

Zwolle

On 24 July 2014 it was announced that Lam had signed a contract with PEC Zwolle, signing a long term contract.

Lam made his PEC Zwolle debut on 16 August 2014, where he came on as substitute for Maikel van der Werff in the second half, in a 2–1 win over Dordrecht. It wasn’t until on 29 October 2014 when Lam scored his first hat–trick of his career, in a 6–1 win over Hardenberg in the third round of the KNVB Cup. Lam then scored his first league goal of the season on 20 December 2014, in a 2–1 loss against Cambuur. Lam scored once again in the quarter final of the KNVB Cup, in a 3–2 win over Cambuur, followed up by scoring in a 2–0 win over Utrecht several days later. Despite suffering from injury and suspension, as the 2014–15 season progressed, Lam went on to make thirty–four and scoring six times in all competitions. Lam played 81 minutes in the final of the KNVB Cup, which saw them unsuccessfully defend the title, in a 2–0 loss against Groningen.

In the 2015–16 season, Lam established himself in the first team regular in the centre–back position and scored his first goal of the season, in a 5–1 loss against Vitesse on 18 October 2015. Lam then scored his second goal of the season, in a 3–1 loss against Groningen on 30 January 2016. Despite missing one game, due to suspension, Lam finished his second season, making thirty–six appearance (33 league) and scoring two times in all competitions.

During Eredivisie seasons 2014–15 and 2015–16 he made a total of 64 appearances and scored 4 goals.

Nottingham Forest

Despite interests of returning to his former club, AZ, Lam was transferred from Zwolle to Nottingham Forest on 8 July 2016, on a free transfer. Upon joining the club, Lam was given number twenty–eight shirt for the new season, just the same number shirt he wore at AZ Alkmaar.

In the opening game of the season, Lam scored on his Nottingham Forest debut in a 4–3 win over Burton Albion on 6 August 2016. After missing out two matches, Lam scored his second goal for the club on his return from the squad, in a 4–3 win over Wigan Athletic on 20 August 2016. After missing out the whole September, due to injury, Lam made return to the first team from injury, playing 45 minutes, in a 2–1 loss against Bristol City on 1 October 2016. Three weeks later, on 22 October 2016, Lam received a straight red card in the second half, in a 2–1 loss against Cardiff City. After serving a one match suspension, he made his return from suspension, in a 1–1 draw against Queens Park Rangers on 5 November 2016.

FC Twente (loan)

On 30 August 2017, Lam signed on a season-long loan to Eredivisie side FC Twente.

International career

Despite being eligible for the Netherlands through his father, Lam opted to play for Finland through his mother. He has represented Finland in various junior national teams, starting off with Finland U17 and Finland U18 and Finland U19. It was not until in February 2012 when he was called up by Finland U21 for the first time. Lam made his Finland U21 debut on 13 October 2012, where he played for 45 minutes, against Estonia U21, which saw them win in the penalty–shootout

After being playing for the various junior national teams, Lam was finally called by the senior team in 2015. He then made his debut for the senior national team on 9 June 2015, in a 2–0 home defeat to Estonia. Lam soon got his first appearance in a UEFA Euro qualification match on 7 September 2015 when he played 84 minutes in a match against Faroe Islands. However, Finland did not qualify for the UEFA Euro 2016, as they finished fourth in the Group F in the qualification of the tournament. Since making his senior debut, Lam became a first team regular at the national team.

Personal life

Lam was born in Amsterdam, Netherlands, to a Dutch father and a Finnish mother, through whom he gained Finnish citizenship. While he was growing up in the Netherlands, his parents owned a hotel.

He has a brother.

In his late teens, Lam suffered a tragic loss when his father died of lung cancer in 2009.

Club

International

Statistics accurate as of matches played on 15 January 2017

Honours and achievements