Following the suit of Antonio Conte, the three-man defence has been the rage in the Premier League and a number of managers are using it quite successfully this season and Stoke City manager Mark Hughes also couldn’t resist implementing it.
The Potters boss had an ideal start to the season having snatched points from Arsenal and Manchester United but their performances in the following matches put up a number of questions on the justification of setting up this formation as a number of players have been forced to alternate their position in order to play in this formation.
While the likes of Xherdan Shaqiri seems to be enjoying his new role, Mame Diouf hasn’t been able to put up a decent display as he has been exploited badly a number of times and if Hughes wants to use 3-4-3 more successfully, he needs to sign new players in January.
There has also been a lack of effort in front of the goal as players like Jese and Saido Berahino are struggling to do their job perfectly.
So if Hughes does dig deep in the transfer window here is a list of three players he might want to look at:
Theo Walcott
The Arsenal loyalist has had very limited game time this season despite having a pretty successful last season. The English international racked up 19 goals in all competitions but Arsene Wenger seemed to have found better options at his disposal and has refrained from using the player in the Premier League.
With the World Cup hot on the heels, Walcott is hoping to find a place in the Three Lions World Cup squad which is looking pretty difficult if the current scenario continues. Mark Hughes needs a cutting edge in the attacking third and Walcott could be that player.
Danny Ings
It is a very alarming situation for Mark Hughes as goals are not coming for the Potters and they could do with the addition of a striker in January.
Danny Ings hasn’t lived up the billing since his move from Burnley to Liverpool but has the potential to be menacing on his day. He is also likely to be available for a much cheaper price so Hughes should tap him up in January.
Mathieu Debuchy
Right wing-back has been a matter of concern for the Potters and Mathieu Debuchy could be a viable option. The French right-back hasn’t been used properly and Arsene Wenger might be interested in doing business in January.
