Stoke City had a disastrous start to their season this time out but Mark Hughes has shown his brilliant tactical know how to make the Potters rise from the Ashes and take them out of the danger zone. After 11 game weeks, Stoke City now find themselves 12th in the Premier League table with 13 points. The key reason behind their resurrection is a drastic improvement in their defensive displays.
Stoke City conceded as many as 13 goals in their first four Premier League games but have conceded just five in the subsequent seven games. With their midfielders especially Joe Allen performing decently and Wilfred Bony also finally returning to scoring ways, Stoke City now look ready to assault the top half of the table.
In the summer of 2016, Stoke City made the signing of Dutch stopper Bruno Martins Indi on a season-long loan from FC Porto. The 24-year-old Portugal-born star was surplus to requirements at Porto and Stoke also had the option to sign him on a permanent basis after the completion of the loan deal. So, after 11 games, let us take a look at how the Dutchman has fared and is he deserving of staying at the club permanently or not.
Well, in the first few games, Martins Indi looked below par but so was their whole defensive unit. In fact, despite Stoke getting thrashed by Spurs in the second game week, Indi was rated 7.00 in that particular game by Whoscored. Stoke City’s defending as a unit have improved drastically in the last few games and the Dutch defender has been at the heart of it.
Martins Indi has given Stoke City an added leadership at the heart of the defence alongside the club captain Ryan Shawcross. Despite being only 24, Martins Indi boasts a plethora of experience in both club football and international football and that shows every time he is on the pitch.
Stoke City not signing him permanently at the end of his one-year loan spell would feel like you are serving someone some delicious food on the plate and watch him rejecting it.
Martins Indi has made as many as 1.5 tackles, 2.3 interceptions and 4.9 clearances every game this season. What makes him a more impressive player is his eye for a pass. The Dutchman has registered a passing accuracy of 85.2% this season while playing 2.3 long balls every game. A front-footed and fearless defender, the 24-year-old has all the ingredients to become a big success at Bet365 Stadium.
There is a sense of confidence Martins Indi brings into the game. Still only 24, the 31-capped Dutch international has his best days ahead of him. Stoke City must ensure that they tie the Dutchman down with a permanent deal at the end of the season.
