Ryan Shawcross is relishing the chance to work with a centre-back he sees himself in
Ryan Shawcross pointed to Ashley Phillips’ hunger to learn as much as possible as he looks forward to the chance to helping him develop this season.
Stoke City pulled off a surprise when they secured a season-long loan return for Phillips, having gradually become one of the first names on the teamsheet when they borrowed him from Tottenham Hotspur last term.
The 20-year-old hasn’t had much game action through pre-season and has been able to dip his toe in with a couple of substitute appearances and Carabao Cup start back with Stoke – but there are no doubts about the potential impact he can have over the next few months.
He namechecked the work done with Shawcross on the training ground for his progress last year and, in turn, first team coach Shawcross said: “It was his willingness to learn (that was his big strength) and I think that’s why there were such big strides between when we first saw him to the end, when we saw a real established centre-half, one of the better ones in the league. He became more dominant as the season went on.”
He added: “The guys in recruitment have done a great job to get him back and I’m delighted for Ash. He had a great year, improved massively showing everyone what he’s about and hopefully this year will be the same and he can improve even more.
“He’s a great lad, quite unassuming but really dominant when he needs to be. I can see a lot of myself in him in the way he trains and wants to improve. He’s desperate to do better and play at the highest level.”
Phillips is one of nine signings that Stoke have made so far this summer, with just under a fortnight to go before the deadline and the Potters believed to be still chasing another new face in midfield.
Sporting director Jon Walters expects that the new intake will help raise standards and can see a lot more to come from Phillips.
He said in an interview for Stoke's website: “There is still room for improvement in his game, as there should be for every player. A huge part of it is Ryan as well and how much he worked with him, having played so many games in that position in the Premier League and knowing all the small parts you can improve upon. I see huge potential in Ash, a future international player. He’s already done that through the age groups.
“It’s his attitude. We saw from when he came in here last year as a young 19-year-old a leader on the pitch. It’s not often you say that for such a young player.
“It’s not just the staff but the fans as well and how welcome he was made to feel. We’re creating and building a family here with players, staff and fans. Ash felt that connection.”
He added: “We said towards the end of last season that if we could get him back we’d be pulling off a coup because we were expecting him to play in the Premier League in some capacity or a big team in Europe. We had to beat competition but when we had the chance to go and get him, a fair bit of hard work went in from a lot of people at the club.
“He was a real leader for us on the pitch last season and I think everyone saw how much he grew. As every month and every game went on he improved.”
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