Stoke City FC Midfielders 2024/25
Stoke City FC, a club with a rich history and a passionate fanbase, has always been known for its gritty and determined style of play. As the 2024/25 season unfolds, the midfield remains a crucial area for the Potters, blending experience, youth, and tactical versatility. This season’s midfield roster showcases a mix of homegrown talent, shrewd acquisitions, and seasoned campaigners, each bringing their unique qualities to the team. Below, we delve into the profiles of Stoke City’s current midfielders, exploring their backgrounds, strengths, and contributions to the squad.
Lewis Baker
Lewis Baker, an English midfielder, has been a cornerstone of Stoke City’s midfield since his arrival in January 2022. Born in Luton, Baker began his career at Chelsea, where he honed his skills in their esteemed academy. Despite never breaking into the first team at Stamford Bridge, he gained valuable experience through loan spells at clubs like Vitesse Arnhem, Middlesbrough, and Reading. Stoke secured his services for a reported fee of £1.5 million, a bargain for a player of his caliber. Baker is renowned for his set-piece expertise, vision, and ability to dictate the tempo of the game. His leadership qualities have also seen him wear the captain’s armband on numerous occasions. At 29, Baker remains a vital cog in Stoke’s engine room, combining technical finesse with a tireless work ethic.
Jordan Thompson
Hailing from Northern Ireland, Jordan Thompson has become a fan favorite at the Bet365 Stadium. Thompson joined Stoke in January 2020 from Blackpool for a modest fee of around £500,000. His journey to Stoke included stints at Rangers and Livingston, where he developed his tenacious playing style. Thompson is a versatile midfielder, capable of playing as a deep-lying playmaker or a box-to-box dynamo. His passing accuracy, combined with his ability to break up opposition play, makes him an invaluable asset. At 27, Thompson is entering his prime, and his commitment to the club’s cause has endeared him to supporters. His international experience with Northern Ireland further underscores his reliability and composure under pressure.
Ben Pearson
Ben Pearson, an English midfielder, joined Stoke City in January 2023 from Bournemouth for a fee of £2 million. Known for his combative style, Pearson is the quintessential defensive midfielder, excelling in tackles, interceptions, and shielding the backline. Born in Oldham, he rose through the ranks at Manchester United’s academy before making his mark at Preston North End, where he established himself as one of the Championship’s most effective enforcers. Pearson’s no-nonsense approach and ability to read the game have made him a key figure in Stoke’s midfield. At 29, he brings a wealth of experience and a winning mentality, having helped Bournemouth secure promotion to the Premier League during his time on the south coast.
Josh Laurent
Josh Laurent, another English midfielder, has been a revelation since joining Stoke in July 2022 on a free transfer from Reading. Laurent’s journey to the Championship has been anything but conventional, with spells at Wigan Athletic, Bury, and Shrewsbury Town shaping his career. His dynamic playing style, characterized by powerful runs, precise passing, and an eye for goal, has made him a standout performer. Laurent’s ability to contribute both defensively and offensively adds balance to Stoke’s midfield. At 29, he continues to impress with his consistency and determination, embodying the fighting spirit that Stoke City is known for.
Will Smallbone
Will Smallbone, an Irish midfielder, joined Stoke City on loan from Southampton in January 2023 before making the move permanent in the summer for a fee of £1.2 million. A product of Southampton’s renowned academy, Smallbone is a technically gifted player with excellent ball control and vision. His versatility allows him to operate as a central midfielder, attacking midfielder, or even on the wings. Smallbone’s creativity and ability to unlock defenses have been crucial for Stoke, particularly in tight games. At 24, he represents the future of the club’s midfield, with his potential yet to be fully realized. His international caps for Ireland further highlight his growing reputation.
Wouter Burger
Wouter Burger, a Dutch midfielder, arrived at Stoke City in August 2023 from FC Basel for a fee of £4 million. Standing at 6’3”, Burger is a physically imposing presence in midfield, combining strength with technical ability. His career began at Feyenoord, where he developed his skills before moving to Basel, where he became a key player. Burger’s ability to dominate aerial duels, break up play, and initiate attacks from deep makes him a unique asset. At 23, he is one of the younger members of the squad but has already shown maturity beyond his years. His performances have drawn comparisons to some of the Netherlands’ finest midfielders, and he is expected to play a pivotal role in Stoke’s future.
Sonny Singh
Sonny Singh, a product of Stoke City’s academy, is one of the most exciting young talents in the squad. Born in Stoke-on-Trent, Singh has risen through the ranks, showcasing his technical prowess and footballing intelligence. Although he is yet to make a significant impact in the first team, his performances for the U23s have been highly promising. Singh’s ability to glide past opponents and his composure on the ball have earned him comparisons to former Stoke greats. At 19, he represents the club’s commitment to nurturing homegrown talent. With the right guidance and opportunities, Singh has the potential to become a mainstay in Stoke’s midfield for years to come.
Tyrese Campbell
While primarily known as a forward, Tyrese Campbell has occasionally been deployed in a midfield role, adding depth and versatility to the squad. Born in Cheadle, Campbell joined Stoke from Manchester City’s academy in 2016 for a nominal fee. His pace, dribbling, and eye for goal make him a constant threat, regardless of his position on the pitch. Campbell’s adaptability has been crucial in providing tactical flexibility for the manager. At 24, he is entering a critical phase of his career, with the potential to establish himself as one of the Championship’s most feared attackers. His contributions from midfield have been a testament to his footballing intelligence and willingness to adapt for the team’s benefit.
Conclusion
Stoke City’s midfield for the 2024/25 season is a blend of experience, youth, and versatility. From the leadership of Lewis Baker to the emerging talent of Sonny Singh, each player brings something unique to the table. The combination of defensive solidity, creative flair, and tactical adaptability ensures that Stoke remains competitive in the demanding Championship. As the season progresses, the midfield will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in determining the club’s fortunes. With a mix of seasoned professionals and promising youngsters, Stoke City’s midfield is well-equipped to meet the challenges ahead and continue the club’s proud tradition of hard-fought, passionate football.
