When a club finishes 9th in the league table for the past three consecutive terms, any sane person would perceive that aiming for a European spot should be the next realistic target for the club plying their trade in the English top flight. However, Stoke City beg to differ.
The Potters were caught in doldrums in the 2016-17 season of the Premier League as they failed to get their name inked inside the top half of the league table, which is why their campaign has been classified as a pretty unproductive one. It was an underwhelming campaign for them and there lies absolutely no doubt whatsoever about the same.
Their outings weren’t encouraging as they failed to churn out decent results and usually strong in the second half of the season, Mark Hughes failed to inspire a turnaround this time. New faces are to be lured to the bet365 Stadium by Mark Hughes to shake his troops out of the apparent apathy.
Reportedly, one of the players who are targeted by Hughes at this stroke of the hour is Hull City’s utility man, Sam Clucas. Clucas registered quite a fruitful season with the Tigers as he managed 37 appearances in the Premier League. He registered 2.4 tackles, 1.4 interceptions, 1.8 clearances and 0.2 blocks per game on an average and also scored 1 goal and mustered 3 assists to his name.
Despite his commendable performances last season, he failed to take his employers to the required safety zone. Irrespective of that, he has drawn many admirers and considering that he might personally look for an outlet in order to keep playing in arguably the most appealing league in the world, Stoke City should ensure they get him on board.
The 26-year-old, with his industrious toil, would bring energy and sheer technical abilities and his versatility of working efficiently anywhere on the left as well as the centre of the pitch should come really handy.
He cushioned the back four meticulously and gave decent cover to Andrew Robertson last term, and at the same time, he carved innumerable attacking endeavours too.
Clucas is also an intelligent passer, can keep the game ticking and marauds down the left flank with great intent. Along with these capabilities, Stoke City would also get a player who is heading into his peak years as an athlete and this would add more tenacity to the midfield.
Statistics Credits: WhoScored
