MAN OF THE WEEK

JOE ALLEN

TWO more goals for the Stoke midfielder last week has taken his tally for the season to four. Nobody could have anticipated him being so prolific. I played for a season with Joe at Liverpool. He is a good lad and a very good footballer, but someone who seemed more suited to a defensive role, the kind of position in which he excelled for Wales at Euro 2016. So I don’t think I am the only one who has been surprised by the way he is thriving in a No 10 role. Mark Hughes will have seen something in training and the rewards are starting to come. His brace last weekend was crucial in giving Stoke a first win. Allen has scored more than the rest of the squad combined. His influence around the club will be growing and he can continue to thrive.