Xherdan Shaqiri

Xherdan Shaqiri’s signing was considered by many to be quite a coup, with the Swiss international serving to personify Stoke’s change in tactics.

Gone were the days of long-ball football, and in came Mark Hughes and his quick pass-and-move brand of football – with Shaqiri a part of that.

Since his arrival, the midfielder has certainly lived up to expectations – having been a regular on the scoresheet and a constant in the Stoke first team.

There is no denying that he brings a certain aura to the Britania, and it seems likely that if Stoke do well this season – much of it will be down to how well Shaqiri performs.