The player who is giving Stoke City hope to improve their position this season

Stoke City is facing one of its most challenging seasons in recent years, with frustration growing after their elimination from the FA Cup and EFL Cup. The club now finds itself solely focused on the EFL Championship, where they continue to struggle with inconsistency and poor results.

Currently sitting 18th in the league table after 30 matches, Stoke City has accumulated only 32 points, with a record of 7 wins, 11 draws, and 12 losses. Their poor performances have raised serious concerns among fans, as the team is dangerously close to the relegation battle.

However, despite the negativity surrounding the club, there are some positive signs that could help them turn their season around.

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Wouter Burger: A Bright Spot in the Midfield

One of the few positives for Stoke City this season has been the consistent performances of Wouter Burger. The 23-year-old Dutch midfielder has become a crucial figure in the team’s midfield, showing both defensive solidity and creative playmaking abilities.

In their recent FA Cup match against Cardiff City, despite the team’s eventual penalty shootout elimination, Burger had one of the standout performances on the pitch. He provided a brilliant assist for Lewis Koumas, who scored Stoke City’s first goal of the match, reducing the deficit to 1-2.

Burger’s ability to control the midfield, find space, and create attacking opportunities has made him one of the few bright spots in an otherwise disappointing season.

His leadership and technical quality give Stoke City a valuable asset, and if the team hopes to avoid falling further down the EFL Championship standings, they will need to rely on players like Burger to step up.

A Crucial Phase for Stoke City

With FA Cup elimination behind them, Stoke City must regroup and focus on their survival in the EFL Championship. The team’s inconsistent performances and lack of cohesion have been major issues, but there is still time to recover and finish the season on a positive note.

Moving forward, manager Mark Robins will need to find stability and build a more competitive squad around key players like Burger and Koumas. The upcoming league fixtures will be decisive in determining whether Stoke City can secure safety or if they will face an even deeper crisis.

With their next match against Bristol City on January 12, Stoke City must find a way to secure three points and start building momentum. The road ahead is difficult, but if they can capitalize on the strengths of their top performers, there is still hope for a turnaround.