(Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images)
In the 12th part of my "Three Transfers" series, I will be looking at Stoke City—a team widely expected to go straight back down to the Championship, but ended up finishing in mid-table.
Their form at the Britannia Stadium was fantastic as they were only beaten four times there. It was also at home that they saw off the likes of Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Manchester City.
And while they were not so good away from home, they did manage crucial victories over fellow relegation rivals like West Bromwich Albion and Hull City.
Perhaps the most enduring image of Stoke's season would be that of Rory Delap wiping the ball with his sleeves before launching a missile right into the six-yard box. That has won them a fair few points this season, getting them the goal that allowed them to defend stoutly for the rest of the game to grab a point or three.
If they are to succeed this season, they will need to strengthen their team, (especially in the attacking department) so that they can get a few more goals from alternative sources.
Here's a look at who I think Stoke should, and realistically, could sign.
RIGHT-WINGER
Currently, Liam Lawrence takes up the right midfield spot for Stoke. He has had a decent season for them, and should definitely be kept at Stoke for next season.
However, beyond Lawrence, there is no established right-winger at Stoke City.
This could be dangerous in case of injuries or suspensions, which would force them to field someone who does not favour playing on the right.
Leaving aside injuries and suspensions, my opinion is that Lawrence is better suited to playing in the middle as he has considerable play-making ability, and possesses a good long shot.
He is also not exactly fast or tricky, so a good left-back would be able to clamp down on him pretty easily.
To allow him to play through the middle, Stoke should sign a right-winger, and I think they should go after the signature of Kris Commons.
A tricky little winger who brings the ball up with pace, he has a good long shot on him, making him very difficult to mark as defenders don't know whether to back off him to avoid getting beaten, or to close him down to prevent the long shot.
Once linked with the likes of Newcastle and Wigan in January, Commons has disappeared off the radar a little in recent months, but he remains a quality player.
He would definitely add another dimension to Stoke's play.
If that move does not work out, then Stoke could try going for Commons's international teammate, James Morrison.
Also a winger capable of operating on both flanks, James Morrison has the added advantage of having played in the Premier League for a few seasons with Middlesbrough and West Bromwich Albion.
A slight problem with this is that West Brom does not need to sell, and, with their plans to bounce straight back up, would be unwilling to let go of one of their prized assets.
RIGHT-BACK
Andy Griffin and Andy Wilkinson have been played in this position this season, but for me, neither cuts it at Premiership level.
Both of them aren't terrific defenders and are terrible going forward as well.
Certainly this is an area that Stoke could improve in, and I suggest that they look to bring in Chris Gunter.
6 Comments
Loading more comments...
This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete