Stoke City have had a rather underwhelming start to the season, but we here at the Transfer Tavern feel that after the hard earned draw against Manchester United, that things are looking up for the Potters.
It’s been a tough time with a number of injuries to key players before a ball was even kicked in the Premier League.
The biggest of those losses was for sure Jack Butland, the English goalkeeper was the best player at Stoke City last term and was one of the main reasons for them being such a success.
But it’s not all doom and gloom, we feel here at the Transfer Tavern that if Hughes continues to pick these THREE players the club will certainly progress in the league…
Let us know your thoughts on the three players we have selected… Do you agree? Do you disagree? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
Lee Grant
It was quite the surprise that the Derby number two joined Stoke City on deadline day, but with Butland sidelined and Given and Haugaard proving to be unreliable, the veteran keeper has done quite the job and what a display he had at Old Trafford!
He was saving shots left, right and centre.
He will be on any team-sheet for Stoke this season until the return of Butland.
Joe Allen
Mr Reliable himself, the Welsh ‘Xavi’ has been a great signing for the Potters since his summer switch from Liverpool.
The 26-year-old was a great player for Swansea City and was decent at Anfield, but his lack of first team football led to this switch and Stoke haven’t looked back since.
The central midfielder has been key alongside Imbula so far for Stoke, and with his experience there should be no reason why he shouldn’t be in Mark Hughes’ starting XI every week.
Xherdan Shaqiri
The Swiss midfielder has been Stoke’s best outfield player since his arrival from Inter Milan at the start of last season.
The 24-year-old has had his injury problems so far this season, but when fit and playing he has been the difference maker for Stoke City.
With his skills on the ball and from dead ball situations he always has a say in the goals and in one way or another seems to be involved in majority of them.
He is a must for Hughes when fit and it would be foolish for the Welshman to leave him on the bench.
Stoke City fans…. Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below and how you feel your season will go if these THREE players are in your starting XI each week!
