Midfield trio key to victory

Stoke picked up only their third league victory at the weekend as Mark Hughes continues his evolution of his inherited Stoke squad.

Hughes has tinkered with his first eleven all season, and has yet to find the perfect combination in a number of key positions.

This weekend, maybe by accident, Hughes seemed to find a combination in the midfield that gave the team a much needed balance.

Glenn Whelan and Charlie Adam came into the middle of the park to replace Wilson Palacios and an injured Stephen Ireland.

Hughes rejigged his midfield and allowed Stephen N`Zonzi to become the more advanced of the trio, with Charlie Adam acting as the deep lying playmaker and Glenn Whelan playing the anchor role in the midfield.

The more forward minded duo got the two vital goals at the Britannia Stadium, N`Zonzi even grabbing the assist for Adam as he enjoyed his free role behind the striker.

Whelan sat in front of the defence with great discipline which allowed the two full backs to get forward and cause havoc in the final third.

The Republic of Ireland international, who if I`m honest, I`m not a big fan of, was my choice for man of the match at the weekend. Whelan broke down the play phenomenally and kept the tempo high with his perfect distribution. According to Opta Sports the 29-year-old completed a 100% of his 63 passes in the match.

Whelan was given well earned praise by manager Mark Hughes.

Hughes told The Sentinel: “”Glenn looks free of a niggly hamstring issue which looks like it has resolved itself and I thought he was really effective.”

Whelan wasn`t the only impressive passer for the Potters as they completed 84% of their passes throughout the game and with the chances they created they will be disappointed to have not won the game by more.

Charlie Adam`s goal was his third of the season, which makes him the Potters top goal scorer this season.

Stoke`s midfield under the previous regime weren`t costumed to finding the back of the net, but Hughes will be hoping that his midfield can, especially with his front line still struggling to find the net.

If the trio can continue their understanding and form then it might not be long until we finally see a settled side.