In this season of great over-achievement for Stoke, players in every area of the pitch, from the goalkeepers to the strikers have played a part in allowing us to amount to so much more than the parts of the whole. As the seasons now over, Ill run through how I rate all
NHL Columbus Blue Jackets Jersey the players performance this season, as well as outlining the areas that I would like to see them improve on next year. If theres anything you agree or disagree with, or anything youd like to add, please feel free to leave a comment at the bottom of the page.Goalkeepers29. Thomas Srensen 36games no goals no a sistsThe Danish number one joined Stoke on a free transfer in the summer, and has had an outstanding first season with the club, making the first choice goalkeeper spot his own. As well as being a gifted shotstopper, he is able to command his area far better than any other keeper we have seen in recent years, while his twelve Premier League clean sheets have played a large role in propelling us to a succe sful mid-table finish this season. He also shows clear pa sion for the club, celebrating exuberantly after any victory,which has helped him to fast become a fans favourite. If he continues to perform this well next season and beyond, we will have little to worry about in the goalkeeping department.What we need from him: More of the same please.Verdict: A1. Steve Simonsen 10games no goals no a sistsAfter enjoying four seasons as our first choice keeper, Simonsen has had to take a back seat this season, rightly kept out of the team by the excellent Srensen.A large numberof his games have come in the
Alexander Wennberg Jersey cup competitions, and he commendably played throughout our run to the League Cup semi-final, but when he has been called upon to play in the Premier League he has struggled, conceding nine goals in justthree starts and two substitute appearances. He unfortunately fails to instill the same level of confidence that Srensen does. It seemed very likely he would move on in the summer, but he has indicated he wishes to see out the final year of his contract with Stoke, so we can expect to see him deputising for Srensen again for 2009/10.What we need from him: Acceptance of his second choice position, yet able deputy when required, with, if po sible improvements in commanding his area. Verdict: BFull-backs3. Danny Higginbotham 30 games 1 goal 3 a sistsAfter re-joining the club from Sunderland, Higginbotham immediately became first-choice left-back before his season was cut short by a back injury. While he provided solid defensive input, I do not see him as a natural left-back. He failed to get forward as much as youd like to see, and his tendency to
Liam Foudy Men Jersey simply hoof the ball let him down.What we need from him: More composure on the ball and a greater willingne s to get forward in support of our wingers.Verdict: B-28. Andy Wilkinson 26 games no goals no a sistsThe word revelation may be a bit strong here, but Wilkinson has definitely been surprisingly good since ousting club captain Andy Griffin for the regular right-back place last December. He has, of course, shown his trademark aggre sion, strength and commitment, but has also shown he is every bit the Premier League player in other areas too, with his heading and tackling abilities impre sing. He needs to curb his disciplinary problems though, as he was sent off against Manchester United, probably costing us a point and also picked up a succe sion of bookings in the second half of the season.What we need from him: Its hard to be critical about a young player just making his way in a tough league, but he would benefit from calming his temperament and working on his distribution, both of which at times let him down.Verdict: A-22. Stephen Kelly 6 games no goals no a sistsKelly joined Stoke on loan from Birmingham in February, and after a dreadful debut at Sunderland was limited to only a handful of further appearances. In those, he didnt do much wrong, or particularly impre s, so the jury seems to still be out on the impact he could have for us if he joins permanently as some reports are suggesting he might.What we need from him
Pierre-Luc Dubois Kids Jersey : If he joins permanently, a solid season as back-up to Wilkinson at right-back.Verdict: B-14. Danny Pugh 20games 1 goal 3 a sistsIts generally agreed that Pughs best position is in the centre of midfield, but most of hisappearances this season have come at left-back, so Ill list him as a full-back here. He is always dependable,though never eye-catching, and has rarely let us down this season. He was frozen out of the side until December, but has played a big part since then, defending quite soundly, while his history of playing in midfield allows him to add a little to the side going forward that many of our other full-backs dont. He has occasionally looked slow against the best and quickest wingers though.What we need from him: If he is to continue to feature heavily at left-back, an increased positional awarene s and if po sible, an extra yard of pace, though that is something difficult to add to your game.Verdict: B2. Andy Griffin 21 games no goals no a sistsGriffin began the season in surprisingly good form, coping better with the Premier League quality wingers than I had expected, but after his infamous on-pitch altercation with Ricardo Fuller at West Ham in December, he lost his place in the side, with Tony Pulis clearly blaming him for the incident. He has rarely featured since, and with reports of his di satisfaction rife, it is very likely that he will move on this summer.What we need from him: If he stays, an experienced head in the dre sing room, as it seems his playing days at Stoke are over.Verdict: B-31. Carl Dickinson 9 games no goals 1 a sistA regular at left-back last season, Dicko has struggled for games this year. At times when he has played he has coped well, showing Wilkinson style aggre sion and getting forward quite well, but at others he has been left looking very raw, He enjoyed a very succe sful loan spell at Leeds in the middle of the season, which seems to have provided good experience for him and should
Scott Harrington Jersey help him to kick on in the future.What we need from him: At 22, he still has a lot to learn, perhaps he would benefit from one more season out on loan. If he is to force his way into the first team reckoning, he would be doing well to follow in the footsteps of Wilkinson, who has quickly added maturity to his game.Verdict: B-21. Andrew Davi
%20TPCC2.jpg)
.png){kind=logo}
