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Rating Stoke’s summer transfers through 14 matches

By Matt Bernstein

STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 24: Steven Fletcher of Stoke City reacts after colliding with the advertisement boards during the Sky Bet Championship match between Stoke City and Norwich City at Bet365 Stadium on November 24, 2020 in Stoke on Trent, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 24: Steven Fletcher of Stoke City reacts after colliding with the advertisement boards during the Sky Bet Championship match between Stoke City and Norwich City at Bet365 Stadium on November 24, 2020 in Stoke on Trent, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images) /
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Rating Stoke’s summer transfers through 14 matches

Stoke brought in 5 summer transfers this season, Steven Fletcher, John Obi Mikel, James Chester, Morgan Fox, and Jacob Brown. Each have all played significant roles through Stoke’s competitions and now seems like a fair time to give some initial ratings on how effective the signings have been. It should be noted that of the summer signings, all were free transfers except for Jacob Brown, who came over from Barnsley for 2.42 million.

Steven Fletcher  – B+

So far this season, Fletcher has been Stoke’s best signing. Fletcher has 4 goals and 2 assists in 16 appearances for the Potters. He not only provides scoring, but he has obvious chemistry with Tyrese Campbell. Fletcher has also completely outplayed both Lee Gregory and Same Vokes. He’s our top forward along with Campbell, and should be featured heavily for the rest of the season. Durability is still questionable, or else this would be an easy A rating.

John Obi Mikel – B

Mikel has been a rock for Stoke’s midfield this season. Only Tommy Smith has more minutes played, and the former Chelsea start has proven that he still has some quality left in the tank. This rating would have been higher if Mikel had shown more going forward. Mikel has also been selected as captain for 6 matches, he brings leadership to a squad that, at times, is incredibly young.

Morgan Fox – B

Fox is tough to rate this season simply because of formation. He was signed as a left-back, but has only recently played the left side in a back four formation. In his twelve appearances, Fox has seen more action as the left-side defender in back three formation. Overall, solid seasons so far from Fox, I’m still just not sure what his ideal spot for Stoke is going forward.

Jacob Brown – C+

Similar to Fox, Jacob Brown has been moved around the field quite a bit. After scoring the thrilling winner away against Wolves in the second round of the EFL cup, Brown has been very quiet, only scoring once more this season. His pace and energy has been useful at times, but he’s yet to carve out a clear role.

James Chester – C

Chester had some clear mishaps early in the season, and has also been overshadowed by the play of Harry Souttar. If all defenders are fit, Chester is most likely not in the starting eleven.