Possible Stoke City Lineup Featuring Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting In The Team
Stoke City have completed their fourth signing of the summer, after they signed winger Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting on a three-year contract after his contract with German club FC Schalke 04 expired(BBC Sport).
The 28-year old becomes the fourth arrival at the Bet365 Stadium this summer, following the signing of veteran midfielder Darren Fletcher, left-back Josh Tymon and defender Kurt Zouma (on loan).
The experienced winger has played over 200 games in the German Bundesliga with Hamburger SV, Mainz and Schalke, in which he has scored 45 goals. Choupo-Moting has also represented the Cameroon national team on 42 occasions, finding the back of the net 13 times. Speaking after his arrival, the new signing said (as quoted by Stoke Sentinel):
“I am just so happy to join the Stoke City family and have this opportunity to play in the English Premier League for the first time. It has always been a goal of mine to one day come over to England and play here. I am sure that every player in the world would like to one day come here.
“The Bundesliga is a great competition too, but the Premier League is really special and I can’t wait to play against all of those teams as a Stoke City player.”
With the new signing confirmed, here we take a look at how the Stoke City lineup could look like in the coming season, featuring the latest arrival.
Manager: Mark Hughes
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Jack Butland (GK)
The England international returned from injury late last season and showcased his abilities once again. Should start as the No.1 ahead of Lee Grant.
Glen Johnson (RB)
The 32-year old former Liverpool man is likely to continue as the right-back for the coming season with Geoff Cameron operating as the backup.
Ryan Shawcross (CB)
The captain is almost certain to start in the heart of the defence for the Potters, although Hughes would be itching to get his contract situation sorted out fast.
Kurt Zouma (CB)
The loanee from Chelsea is likely to partner the experienced Shawcross in the centre of the backline. He will be looking to impress after a long spell out on the sidelines last year.
Erik Pieters (LB)
The Dutchman was one of the more consistent players for Stoke last season and is likely to start as the first choice, with the young Josh Tymon as the backup.
Charlie Adam (CM)
The 31-year old will occupy one of the two pivots in the midfield for Stoke, with the likes of Cameron and Ibrahim Afellay providing backup.
Darren Fletcher (CM)
Having lost an experienced pro in Glenn Whelan, Hughes can rely upon a proven winner in Darren Fletcher to provide the leadership and the calmness in the middle of the park.
Xherdan Shaqiri (RW)
The Swiss attacker has been bothered by injuries throughout his spell at Stoke, but has shown that he can be unstoppable if he gets going. A definite starter when available.
Joe Allen (CAM)
The former Liverpool and Swansea City man had a fine debut campaign at the Bet365 last season, finishing with 6 goals and 2 assists in the Premier League. Will occupy the No.10 position.
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting (LW)
The 28-year old has proven himself for a number of years in the Bundesliga and could turn out to be a shrewd signing by the Potters. Last season, he managed 3 goals and 8 assists in 30 games and if he manages to create as many chances, he would be a very important player for the club.
Saido Berahino (ST)
The striker arrived in January with a lot of promise but has failed to hit the ground running. With six months and a full pre-season behind him, he could finally prove why so many clubs were vying for his signature about a year ago.