According to reports, Stoke City boss Gary Rowett hasn’t closed the door on a possible late move for Derby County’s Matej Vydra. Fellow Championship side Leeds United, who were keen on luring Vydra to the Elland Road, have pulled out of the race after failing to agree upon the striker’s personal terms.
Face File And Attributes
Vydra emerged through the youth ranks of Czech Republic-based outfit Vysocina Jihlava and climbed up the ladder to ply his trade for their senior side. After a brief spell with Banik Ostrava, he moved to Udinese. He failed to establish himself with the Serie A side and was sent out on numerous loan spells to Club Brugge, Watford and West Bromwich Albion.
In the summer transfer window of 2015, he was signed by Watford on a permanent deal but owing to the presence of Troy Deeney and Odion Ighalo, he was shipped out on loan to Reading. In 2016, Derby County prised him out of the Vicarage Road and he has been an instrumental player for the Rams ever since.
In 42 appearances in the Championship last term, the 26-year-old smashed in 21 goals and also mustered 4 assists as he won the Sky Bet Championship Golden Boot. Vydra has also represented the Czech Republican national side on a number of occasions.
As we can clearly see, Vydra is privy to the nature of a number of leagues and his experience will be welcomed by Stoke, should they succeed in signing him.
Capable of retaining possession in the final third, Vydra is a clinical goal scorer and is a poacher inside the box. He has the ability to test the opposition goalkeeper from a distance and is not afraid to shoot when afforded the opportunity. His heading ability and aerial strength are not the best but he more than makes it up with the ball at his feet.
Should Stoke City Sign Him?
Stoke City already have Peter Crouch, Benik Afobe, Saido Berahino and Mame Diouf in their arsenal. Besides, Bojan Krkic is more than capable of operating as a centre-forward.
All of them are capable of finding the back of the net on a regular basis and enhancing the striking sector doesn’t hold a paramount importance for Gary Rowett. Only if Crouch is sold, who has been linked with a move to Burnley, Vydra’s entry to the bet365 Stadium would make sense.
