young talent

Barcelona, Sidibe, and Narcís Pelach: The Bold Stoke City ‘Dream’ That Could Redefine 2025

23/11/2024 Raymond 0

Stoke City manager Narcís Pelach reflected on the international break, sharing how he took time to reconnect with family in Girona and Barcelona, though football was never far from his mind. As the Potters prepare for a busy week, starting with a trip to Queens Park Rangers, Pelach highlighted the importance of balancing immediate results with long-term development.

Central to this vision is young midfielder Sol Sidibe, who recently captained England’s Under-18s. Praising Sidibe’s intelligence and potential, Pelach stressed a careful approach to his progression: “I won’t rush him. It’s about preparing him thoroughly so he’s ready when the time comes.”

Looking ahead, Pelach expressed excitement about Stoke’s plans to upgrade their training ground by next Christmas, seeing it as a symbol of the club’s ambitions. “This is a dream to fight for,” he said. “We must build solid foundations now to ensure we’re ready to capitalize on the opportunities ahead.”

Sheffield Wednesday Defender Stunned by Shocking Danny Röhl Decision

07/11/2024 Raymond 0

Sheffield Wednesday defender Gabriel Otegbayo admitted he was taken by surprise when he was called up to make his Championship debut against Norwich City on Tuesday night. The 20-year-old centre-back, who has impressed manager Danny Röhl since preseason, was handed a starting role after an injury to Dominic Iorfa. Despite having been at the club for just eight months, Otegbayo rose to the occasion, helping to protect a 2-0 lead and secure a vital three points for the Owls.

“I wasn’t expecting it, but I was ready,” Otegbayo said after the match. “It was a great feeling, and I was buzzing to get onto the pitch. The gaffer and his staff believe in me, and I went on full of confidence knowing I’ve got great lads around me. As long as I did my job, we’d get the three points we were hoping for.” Reflecting on the fast-paced nature of the game, he added, “It was surreal. The game went so quickly, but I’ve been able to soak it in today and hopefully there’s more to come.” With the Steel City derby against Sheffield United on the horizon, Otegbayo is ready to step up again if called upon.

Newcastle’s Pursuit of Nottingham Forest Star Fizzles Out Over Surprising Sticking Point

25/10/2024 Raymond 0

Anthony Elanga has not quite reached the anticipated performance levels this season, with only a single assist to his credit and no goals yet. However, he ranks as the second-fastest player in the Premier League this season, even ahead of Manchester City’s Erling Haaland. Given his current form, Nottingham Forest may find it hard to resist a significant transfer offer, especially if a bid in the region of £50 million arises in January. Yet, due to financial limitations, Newcastle may not be in the running. At just 22, Elanga still has considerable room for growth and potential, leaving plenty of time to refine his skills and elevate his game.

‘I’ve got big hopes for Stoke City this season after change of strategy and stellar transfer’

06/09/2024 Raymond 0

Former Stoke City manager Gary Rowett recently reflected on the transfer window, expressing optimism for Stoke’s business and the moves made by other Championship clubs. He praised Derby County for their key signings, particularly David Ozoh and Nat Phillips, while also highlighting Stoke’s strategic approach of bringing in young talent like Lewis Koumas. Rowett compared this to the success Derby had with loan players like Mason Mount and Fikayo Tomori in previous seasons. He remains hopeful for Stoke’s upcoming season and noted that the Championship, while not as strong as last year, still boasts a wide spread of competitive teams.

Liverpool’s Bold Move with Lewis Koumas and Stoke City Could Spark Unforgettable Outcome: Opinion

05/09/2024 Raymond 0

Lewis Koumas has quickly made his mark at Stoke City, scoring on his full Championship debut in a narrow 2-1 defeat to West Brom and contributing a goal and assist in a 5-0 Carabao Cup win over Middlesbrough. A clinical finisher with the ability to glide past defenders, much like his father, Koumas has also been a creative force, carving out opportunities for his teammates. His versatility has seen him excel on both flanks, and alongside fellow standout Million Manhoef, he looks set to be a key figure for Stoke this season.

How Liverpool and Spurs’ Transfer Moves Could Be the Key to Solving Stoke City’s Long-Standing Dilemma

04/09/2024 Raymond 0

This summer, Steven Schumacher and Jon Walters entered the loan market with a clear strategy in mind, mindful of the financial constraints imposed by Financial Fair Play. Their focus was on carefully selecting young, talented players who could add real value to Stoke City’s squad. Securing the likes of Tom Cannon, Andrew Moran, Lewis Koumas, and Ashley Phillips required patience and a strong pitch to convince both the players and their parent clubs that Stoke was the ideal destination.

As the season unfolds, there’s a growing sense of optimism surrounding these new additions. This approach marks a departure from the club’s previous tendency to sign loanees with the hope of making them permanent, which often led to forgettable squad members. Instead, the focus is now on youth, with pathways being created for academy graduates and younger players being entrusted with more prominent roles, resulting in the youngest starting XI in Stoke’s history in recent games. This shift reflects a broader change in philosophy, as Stoke City looks to the future with renewed energy and ambition.