While the Stoke City first team is currently enjoying a positive start to their season, it's important to take a look at how the club's youth teams are doing, particularly the U21 squad, which represents the future stars of Stoke City.
Unfortunately, the U21 team hasn't won any of their first three matches in the Premier League 2, and they just suffered a devastating loss a few days ago. Facing West Bromwich Albion away, Stoke City U21 was defeated 5-0.
READ MORE: Stoke City’s Position in the EFL Championship
A Tough Visit to West Brom for The Potters
In this match, Stoke City U21’s coach, Alex Morris, opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation, hoping to have a competitive match, fully aware that it would be a tough encounter. However, he didn't anticipate such a heavy defeat.
By the 23rd minute of the first half, the team was already down 2-0, facing a difficult start to the match. During the halftime break, it was hoped that the coach’s words would motivate the young players to compete at a higher level. Unfortunately, by the 50th minute, the score had increased to 3-0. Curiously, Alex Morris only made two substitutions throughout the match, leaving most of the starting eleven on the pitch for the entire game.
⏱️ #PL2 action is underway here in Walsall. pic.twitter.com/nCmQxd9xyL
— Stoke City FC (@stokecity) September 1, 2024
The team’s performance didn't improve, and by the 72nd minute, they conceded the fourth goal. The final blow came in the 93rd minute, when West Brom scored the fifth, resulting in a painful 5-0 defeat for Stoke City U21. The team currently sits in 24th place in the Premier League 2, experiencing a very negative start to the season, having already conceded 10 goals in just three matches. They are now ranked 24th out of 26 teams competing in the Premier League 2.
It’s crucial to closely examine the work being done within the youth divisions, especially as some of the very young talents who are already stars in the first team do not need to compete at the Premier League 2 level but rather should be playing in the EFL Championship, where the highest level of competition lies for Stoke City.
However, it’s also important to focus on the work being done with the U21 team, as it is from this group that future key players may emerge. It will be essential to guide these young talents properly to avoid setbacks in their football careers, like the one currently being experienced by Stoke City U21.