Marco van Ginkel to Stoke City: Latest Loan Details, Comments and Reaction

Stoke City announced the acquisition of Marco van Ginkel on a season-long loan from Chelsea on Friday. It's the second straight campaign he'll be away from the Blues after spending last term with AC Milan in Italy.

Mark Hughes, manager of a Potters side that also confirmed the signing of goalkeeper Shay Given today, told the club's official site the 22-year-old Netherlands international should be a perfect fit for the attack.

"Marco is the kind of player we have been looking to bring to the Club," Hughes said. "He will bring great energy to the side and is capable of scoring goals from midfield, as he showed during his time with Vitesse."

Van Ginkel started his career with Vitesse in the Netherlands after coming up through the club's youth system. He netted 23 goals in 111 appearances before moving to Chelsea during the summer transfer window two years ago.

He's discovered that the path to playing time is much tougher with top squads, though. He made just four appearances during his first campaign with the Blues and saw only a moderate uptick to 18 games with the Rossoneri.

Going to Stoke City should provide a double benefit.

Most importantly his role with the side, which finished ninth in the Premier League table last season, should be far more expansive. He should see regular starts in the midfield and Hughes' comments make it clear they are going to want him to push forward.

Staying in the EPL will help, as well. It allows the Chelsea brass to keep closer tabs on him while he gets to gain experience against the same opponents he'd face if he eventually cracks the Blues' lineup rotation in the years ahead.

Van Ginkel certainly needs to gain as much experience as possible against top competition. That's why this is a wise move as opposed to seeking out another storied side where he could become a part-time player again.

He excelled with his defensive responsibility at Milan. Now it's time for him to showcase his ability in the attacking third to create chances for a Stoke side that could use the offensive boost.