“?Mark Hughes has heaped praise on Stoke City midfielder Joe Allen, saying the Welshman has been the ‘shining light’ in an otherwise dark and troubling season so far.
The 26-year-old, who signed from Liverpool in the summer, produced an impressive display against West Brom on Saturday and even opened his account for the club with a 73rd minute strike, with Hughes saying he has not been disappointed with his level of influence since arriving from Anfield.
“I think he left Liverpool because he wanted to play week in, week out, we are giving him that opportunity, and in every game he plays he has an influence.
FULL-TIME Stoke 1-1 West Brom. @salorondon23‘s late header gives @WBA a point, after Joe Allen struck earlier for the home side #STKWBA pic.twitter.com/dHkv0UDBTQ
“He has been the shining light for us this season – the one who has been really hitting the levels expected of him.
“Maybe some of the guys are still trying to get a level of form up to this point, but we have never had any issue with Joe in terms of his form. He has hit the ground running and been excellent since he walked through the door.”
Hughes added that Allen prefers to play in a more advanced position but also said his versatility will be a great asset for Stoke.
“Joe has so many elements to his play, he has so much energy, and he can play in any number of positions.
“I think he enjoys being further advanced. He has good anticipation of things dropping around the box and that is what showed with his goal.
“Certainly I think it is something he is adept at and where he can be an influence for us. In certain games he’ll play there and in others we’ll need him to do other things.”
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