Ben Wilmot recently reached a significant milestone in his career, making his 200th senior appearance during Stoke City’s match against Millwall. Assistant manager Narcis Pelach is brimming with optimism about the defender’s potential, envisioning him as a future captain for the club. Wilmot, who joined Stoke from Watford in 2021, has already made 124 of those appearances for the Potters and continues to impress both as a player and a leader.
Under Pelach’s guidance, Wilmot has showcased his versatility, playing as both a right-back and center-back this season. Despite a brief absence due to illness, he returned to action from the bench against Millwall, marking his career milestone. Pelach believes Wilmot’s development is far from complete and expects the defender to reach new heights over the next few years. “Ben Wilmot is a big surprise,” Pelach remarked. “His body language and attitude are excellent. He’s a good footballer who can adapt to various roles – center-back, right-back, or wide in a back three. He’s strong on the ball, defensively sound, and has immense potential. There’s still room for growth.”
Pelach sees Wilmot’s peak years ahead, particularly as he approaches the age of 25 or 26. Highlighting his value to the team, Pelach added, “I don’t imagine Stoke City without Ben Wilmot. He’s one of my players, someone I want alongside me. His ambition and versatility make him indispensable.” Having already captained the team occasionally, Wilmot is among the club’s longest-serving players, alongside Jordan Thompson and Jack Bonham.
While Pelach has deployed Wilmot at right-back – a position he shares with Junior Tchamadeu and the recovering Bosun Lawal – the head coach sees this as more than just a temporary role. “It could be his main position,” Pelach said. “It’s invaluable to have players who can excel in multiple positions. He performed brilliantly as a right-back against Borja Sainz, one of the league’s best wingers, shutting him down entirely. That performance proved he’s Championship-ready in that role.”
Looking ahead, Pelach has challenged Wilmot to continue evolving, urging him to embrace leadership responsibilities. “I spoke to him recently and emphasized that he’s capable of excelling in two positions now. It’s about taking further steps and becoming a better version of himself. He needs to become a leader and a captain here. I believe Ben Wilmot will be a cornerstone for Stoke City in the coming months and years.”
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