Three things learnt from Stoke’s 2-0 victory over Middlesbrough

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Sobhi shows a glimpse of his potential

Whilst Marko Arnautovic will, quite correctly, receive the majority of the plaudits for his two goals against Middlesbrough it was his Stoke City team-mate Ramadan Sobhi that supporters left the ground talking about in excited tones. The Egyptian winger produced a dynamic, exciting performance that was hugely impressive on the left side of The Potters’ attack and he gave fans a little glimpse of the potential that he has.

The 20-year-old arrived at Stoke in the summer for £5,000,000 from Al Ahly with a big pedigree with many correspondents from the region describing him as one of African football’s biggest talents. However, it is has taken the young winger time to settle in The Potteries but he has stepped up to the plate in recent weeks following the absence of Xherdan Shaqiri due to injury.

Sobhi was electric against Middlesbrough. His pace, trickery and direct, driving runs caused chaos in the ranks of the visiting defenders and genuinely gave home supporters a reason to jump off their seats. He rattled the bar in the first half and was then denied twice in the second period by brilliants saves from Victor Valdes – in truth he deserved a goal to round off a superb performance. Perhaps more impressive was the work rate that the Egyptian invested in the game, with the winger tracking back and performing his defensive duties just as well as his attacking responsibilities.

It is still early days for Sobhi, but he gave Stoke supporters a little glimpse of his talent and potential on Saturday – it will certainly give something for supporters to get excited about!

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