Are Stoke’s signings of Liverpool’s Joe Allen and others enough to cement their progression?

Wed 27 July 2016 18:30, UK

Stoke City used to be world-renowned for their long-ball football, but nowadays, thanks to a change of management and new personnel, they play with a much more intricate, visually impressive and technical style. Sticking to these principles saw them finish 9th place in the Premier League last season, one point ahead of def🍰ending champions Chelsea.

Mark Hughes has been the man in charge of the Potters’ resurgence, and the team look set for another solid season after having enjoyed a great summer transfer window. After having finished in ninth place last term, the logical next step for the club would be to bring European football to the Britannia, and although it is in part dependent on rivals fortunes, there is no reason for Stok🐬e fans to doubt their team’s chances.

In young Englishman, Jack Butland, they have one of the most capable shot-stoppers in the Premier League. When Butland suffered his injury late last season, Stoke were noticeably less stable at the back. However, they also have veteran goalkeeper Shay Given to call upon should they need him, meaning they always have a 𒁃good chance of keeping a cle𓆉an sheet.

The defenders are of good quality too, with Ryan Shawcross and Philip Wollscheid bringing experience, superb tackling ability and suitable aggression to the back four, meaning attackers really have to earn theꦆir money to get past them.

Glen Johnson is another one who is solid, and is ﷽the perfect modern day full-back, with the ability to attack and defend. His experience at the highest level with both Chelsea and Liverpool; in addition to on the international stage, will be invaluable should the Potters reach the Europa League in the future.

Their midfield is even more impressive, and has been further improved with the addition of Welshman Joe Allen from 💝Live♚rpool for £13 million.

The acquisition of Allen is a major statement of intent for Stoke, after his impres🍰sive display at the Euros rewarded him with a place in the te꧙am of the tournament, drawing attention for his energetic bursts and typically neat play on the ball.

With his great awareness and passing ability, he is an asset to his team’s attacking aspirations and could make a real difference to Stoke’s fortunes. Arguably underused in his days at Liverpool, Allen de๊veloped the status of cult hero, and as long as Mark Hughes employs him correctly at Stoke, Allen’s fellow Welshman could well have picked up a bargain.

Giannelli Imbula can provide the defensive cov✅er, with plenty of strength and the ability to read the game, while the likes of Glen Whelan, Charlie Adam, Stephen Ireland and Ibrahim Afellay provide experience, ability and excellent squad depth.

However, St⭕oke’s attackers are their key strength to immediate and long term success. Bojan Krkic, Marko Arnautovic and Xherdan Shaqiri are a deadly combination, each of them being able to score and create 🔯plenty of goals and with a degree of finesse.

Bojan is the key to the team with his sublime pass♑ing, while Shaqiri proved his technical ability with an overhead kick at the Euros for Switzerland. Meanwhile, Arnautovic is great from a set piece and in addition, is very quick and strong with the skill, terrorising the opposition’s defenders.

Now, they have brought in further talent, with 19-year-old Ramadan Sobhi joining the Potters from Al Ahly in the last few days. The teenager netted 11 times in 55 games, working out at a return o💯f one goal every five matches. He should provide great back up to Stoke’s established wide men.

Despite possessing some tre🌞mendous attacking threats, up top is also something of issue for Stoke, who; with all due re💝spect to Jon Walters, Peter Crouch and Mame Biram Diouf, still find themselves short of a consistently reliable striker who can score all kinds of goals from many situations.

West Brom’s Saido Berahino could be t🧜hat man, and Stoke are pursuing the English striker. The Baggies still seem to be playing hardball, but🐼 the want-away could be Stoke’s for just over £20 million.

B🅺erahino is quick and knows how to finish, and could be the final piece of the jigsaw that sees Stoke become consistent top Premier League challengers. If only they had signed Lionel Messi so we could see if he could do it on a cold, wet night in Stoke.

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Are Stoke’s signings of Liverpool’s Joe Allen and others enough to cement their progression?