Stoke City’s Greatest Players
Stoke City Football Club has been around since 1863, making it one of the oldest teams in the world. Over the years, it has seen some of the greatest players ever to grace the game. This article looks at some of the best players to have ever graced the Stoke City shirt.
Mark Stein
One of the first players that needs to be mentioned when discussing Stoke City’s greatest players is Mark Stein. The English forward joined the club from Chelsea in 1994 and went on to make over 200 appearances for the Potters, scoring over 60 goals in the process. During his time at the club, he was instrumental in helping the team get promoted to the Premier League in the 1995–96 season. He was also an important member of the team that reached the FA Cup semi-final in the same year. He was known for his composed finishing and strong hold-up play, which made him a fan favourite.
Peter Hoekstra
Another player who is considered one of the greatest players in Stoke City’s history is Peter Hoekstra. The Dutch midfielder joined the club in 1997 and went on to make over 150 appearances for the Potters, scoring 27 goals in the process. He was a key member of the team that reached the FA Cup semi-finals in 1998 and was also part of the team that reached the League Cup semi-finals in the same year. He was known for his ball control, passing ability and eye for goal, which made him a fan favourite.
Gerry Taggart
Gerry Taggart was another player who was an integral part of Stoke City’s history. The Northern Irishman joined the club from Leicester City in 1998 and went on to make over 100 appearances for the Potters, scoring 8 goals in the process. He was an important member of the team that reached the League Cup semi-finals in 1998 and was also part of the team that reached the FA Cup semi-finals in the same year. He was known for his strong defensive ability, tackling and aerial prowess, which made him a fan favourite.
Ricardo Fuller
Ricardo Fuller is another player who is considered one of the greatest players in Stoke City’s history. The Jamaican joined the club from Portsmouth in 2006 and went on to make over 150 appearances for the Potters, scoring 41 goals in the process. He was an important member of the team that reached the FA Cup final in 2011 and was also part of the team that reached the Europa League in 2011. He was known for his pace, skill and eye for goal, which made him a fan favourite.
Asmir Begovic
The final player who needs to be mentioned when discussing Stoke City’s greatest players is Asmir Begovic. The Bosnian joined the club from Portsmouth in 2010 and went on to make over 100 appearances for the Potters, keeping over 50 clean sheets in the process. He was an important member of the team that reached the Europa League in 2011 and was also part of the team that reached the FA Cup final in 2011. He was known for his shot-stopping ability and reflexes, which made him a fan favourite.
Conclusion
Stoke City Football Club has a rich history and has seen some of the greatest players ever to grace the game. This article has looked at some of the best players to have ever graced the Stoke City shirt, including Mark Stein, Peter Hoekstra, Gerry Taggart, Ricardo Fuller and Asmir Begovic. Each of these players made an important contribution to the club and will always be remembered for their achievements.