Stoke City failed in their attempt to have a commendable season in the 2016-17 campaign of the Premier League as they were way to inconsistent in the English top flight. The Potters finished 13th in the league table and without a doubt, they did look sluggish in many departments.
Despite last season’s sombre league finish, they surrendered themselves to the temptation of selling the likes of Marko Arnautovic, Jon Walters and Glenn Whelan already and haven’t managed to rope in too many players.
Mark Hughes did manage to bring a notable name to bet 365 Stadium of late in the form of Cameroon international Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting from German Bundesliga outfit Schalke. The 28-year-old had banged in 3 goals and registered 4 assists to his name in the German top flight and has the experience of playing with the national side as well, having represented Cameroon in the last two World Cups. Apparently, he has been brought to fill the void left by the departure of Arnautovic.
What about Chupo-Moting?
Choupo-Moting has been a player of fine calibre for a considerable span of time and earned the adulation from the Schalke fans for the fine transition he made between his defensive and attacking endeavours and the growth that he has successfully brought to his career. He had been a perennial asset for his side during the counter-attacks as his positive intent, excellent dribbling skills and immense work-rate work allowed him to be one of the first names on the teamsheet.
The 28-year-old also offers versatility and can be stationed in a wide range of areas such as left wing, left side of the midfield as well as a striker and his attacking prowess will give Hughes a huge boost in ensuring that his tactical nous fall in place on the pitch.
Having said that, there are aspects he needs to work on, such as his creativity and passing. On many occasions, he was bereft of ideas and having jotted an unappealing pass accuracy of 73.3% in Bundesliga last season. He will have to do much better at Stoke City.
Besides, he has been inconsistent at times and it goes without saying that he will see far less game time if he isn’t able to maintain a certain level of consistency.
Nonetheless, considering that Choupo-Moting is right at the peak of his career, Hughes’ outfit have done a stupendous job in signing the attacker. Replacing Arnautovic won’t be an easy task as the Austrian could take on the best of defences on his day, though he was an enigma.
Statistics Credits: Whoscored
