Bojan’s arrival signalled a fundamental change to Stoke’s image and style of play but Jerome’s £1.5m departure worked out for the 28-year-old as well.
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The Swiss worldwide, formerly of Inter Milan, sent a free-kick dipping into the Norwich box from wide on the right and the unmarked Diouf stooped to head home his second goal in two games.
Yet Afellay is convinced even more quality players will see Stoke as an attractive proposition as the Potters are now a world away from the bruisers that he remembers seeing on TV in Holland nearly a decade ago. We were looking to generate funds and he was a player who had a value.
The Dutchman added: “I’ve only been here a short time but it’s a fantastic club”. He’s scored goals at Championship level, and he’s got pace and power.
Shaqiri and Bojan contribute to what could become a significant attacking selection headache for Hughes, whose side can from two goals down to rescue a point at White Hart Lane.
Meanwhile, Record signing Shaqiri is now available after missing the 2-2 draw at Tottenham last Saturday and could be included in Hughes’ starting XI when they travel to Carrow Road.
The ex-Barcelona winger, 29, is one of five stars at the Britannia that have won the biggest prize in club football – Marko Arnautovic with Inter, Bojan Krkic and Marc Muniesa with Barca and new signing Xherdan Shaqiri with Bayern Munich.
“He has had over a week with us now and has developed an understanding of what we are trying to do”, Hughes said.
“First and foremost we want to make sure we progress through to the next round, that is the priority, but along with that, if we can give game-time to guys that need it then that will aid us”.
“That maybe wasn’t too prevalent in the first two years I was here”. “If you’ve got a good group they don’t view them as a threat, but as an asset who will help them and the club improve and move forward”.
‘We’re seeing that at the moment.
So it is clear that Stoke will be getting a player fully driven to play regular football again and show why he is so highly-rated.
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Norwich City will be aiming for their second win on the bounce on Saturday when they face Stoke City, a side that have only beaten once in six previous Premier League meetings.
