Allen's Stoke Move A Boost in Potters' Pursuit of Europe
Much was made of Wales’ exploits at Euro 2016. The plucky underdogs performed above expectations to reach the semi-finals of the competition, only to fall at the penultimate hurdle to eventual winners Portugal. The Dragons deservedly won themselves countless admirers along the way in France, with the meeting with Portugal proving to be a bridge too far for Chris Coleman’s side. Ultimately, absences played a key role in their loss to the newly crowned European Champions.
Aaron Ramsey and Ben Davies both succumbed to suspension in the 3-1 win over Belgium, which significantly weakened the side coming into the 2-0 defeat to Portugal. Ramsey earned the plaudits following a string of stirring displays in the middle of the park, while Davies was a key member of the back-three alongside Ashley William and James Chester. One player who did the dirty work to allow the likes of Ramsey and Bale to prosper, however, was Joe Allen.
Alongside Joe Ledley, Allen quietly went about his business in the middle of the park, much to Wales’ benefit. Indeed, only Paul Pogba (30) and Toni Kroos (25) won possession in the midfield third more times than Allen (24) at Euro 2016. Such outings suggested he could be handed another chance to impress for Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp, though Allen now looks all but certain to depart Anfield for pastures new this week.
Stoke City are primed to land the 26-year-old sooner rather than later as the Potters aim to launch an assault on European football. Manager Mark Hughes has been in the market to land a midfield partner for January arrival Gianelli Imbula and, in Allen, he feels he has identified the ideal foil for the Frenchman. Imbula quickly went about his business proving just why he came in as Stoke’s record signing, earning a better WhoScored rating (7.07) than any other teammate following his move from FC Porto.
The drive he provides from midfield means he needs a deep lying partner to cover the space he leaves behind, with Imbula averaging an astonishing 4.4 successful dribbles per Premier League outing. Glenn Whelan may be a sturdy performer in the middle of the park, but at 32 years of age, Hughes is expected to opt for the younger Allen to aid Imbula in his favoured 4-2-3-1 formation. While seemingly lightweight, the Welshman’s performances in France this summer showed he’s capable of carrying out the necessary defensive duties for the benefit of the team, which will have appealed to Hughes.
3.8 tackles and interceptions per game combined was the third best of all Wales players at Euro 2016, while his ball retention qualities will also be of value. Whelan averaged more passes per Premier League game (55.9) than any other Stoke player, but then Allen is able to call on his European experience, which would boost the Potters. An average of 50 passes per 90 minutes for Liverpool last season was also a respectable return, as was a success rate of 84.1%. While this was lower than Whelan (87%), it’s fair to say Allen adds a touch of class and more energy in the middle of the park.
His capture would also send a strong statement of intent to Premier League rivals. A partner of Allen’s ilk would only help Imbula come on leaps and bounds as Stoke strive to better their 9th-played finish last season. The pair are experienced with the demands of securing European football and with the latter providing the lung-busting runs from deep, the former is more than capable of providing an effective defensive shield so Stoke aren’t caught short at the back.
While Whelan is indeed capable of performing these duties, at the wrong side of 30, Hughes is wisely looking to the future in order to improve Stoke’s chances of climbing the table. Inconsistency may have resulted in a mid-table finish, but Allen would significantly improve the Potters boss’ midfield options as Stoke aim to kick off the campaign with a win. Allen is hardly the flair player to create a moment of magic out of nothing, similar to prospective teammates Xherdan Shaqiri and Mark Arnautovic, but he has the potential to become one of the most important captures of the window.
Stoke are yet to make any significant movements this summer prior to the expected signing of Allen, with Hughes keeping the core of the squad together. Additions were somewhat necessary as Stoke look to take the next step in the Premier League, with Allen’s impending arrival one of the more crucial in terms of adding squad depth and injecting crucial experience in a key area of the pitch for the Potters.
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