Well, they survived their first season in the Premier League at a canter while Boro were occupying the drop zone for a start.
Also, they have loyal and passionate supporters who I would bet are likely to propel their side to another mid-table finish this time out.
The big German will slot in seamlessly to Stoke's abrasive style. But you wonder where Tuncay is going to fit in - I certainly can't envisage the Turk attacking Delap's lofty throws with the same vigour as Ricardo Fuller does.
Huth marshalled Boro to four successive clean sheets at the start of this season
It took an extra day for Tuncay to put Pulis's pen to paper. Perhaps he was holding out for an offer from his one-time admirers at Villa Park before dooming himself to the direct football played at the Brittannia Stadium...
But fair play to Stoke. They deservedly stayed up last season by playing to their strengths. And the acquisition of the former Fenerbahce star may signal an intent mix up their style a little.
It is a great double swoop for the Potters. Though contrary to some forum banter, I also believe it is good business by Boro and was surprised at the fallout from some fans regarding the "cheap" fee.
The £11m paid by Stoke breaks down to £5m for each player, with an extra £1m for Huth based on performance and appearances.That means we have virtually recouped the £6m paid to Chelsea three years ago for a player whose Boro career has stuttered between several injury problems.
Meanwhile, the £5m Tuncay fee looks admittedly small, particularly in today's hugely inflated transfer market.
Tuncay has hit 15 goals in 58 international appearances for Turkey
But maybe we Boro followers have been prone to over-rating our star man. After all, he did fall out of favour during the middle of the relegation campaign after struggling for form and failing to hit the net in twelve consecutive appearances.
After two years watching him play, I still can't decide what his best position is. Nor can many Riverside regulars.
He operated in a wide position when Southgate first brought him to the club before quickly switching to a supporting striker role. Then, towards the end of last season, amid much clamour from fans to play him there, Southgate employed him in the heart of the midfield.
Nonetheless, he was a great player and will be fondly remembered, particularly for his goals at the beginning this season despite looking visibly unsettled at the club.
Realistically, we could hardly have dreamt that top-class performers like Huth and Tuncay would still be Boro players this far into the new season. Both are full internationals who have a realistic chance of representing their countries at next year's World Cup in South Africa.
At Championship level, both players represented added luxuries if they stayed beyond the deadline. Although Huth had forged a formidable parntership with David Wheater, the 25-year-old - as Gareth Southgate rightly points out - can be replaced from within the club.
The relatively inexperienced Seb Hines is in contention to partner Wheater at the back against Bristol City tomorrow. But Boro have Chris Riggott, Emmanuel Pogatetz and Matthew Bates to come back from injury - players who are the envy of most clubs in our division.
I hope, for Southgate's sake, the team doesn't begin to leak goals and give armour to those questioning his authority within the MFC hierarchy.
While I'm sure the boss would have loved Huth to stay, player power is stronger than it has ever been. If a player wants to leave a club nowadays, they do. Ask David Moyes.
No comments:
Post a Comment