Stoke City manager Alex Neil has talked up the potential partnership between Ki-Jana Hoever and Chiquinho for the coming season.
Wolves took the decision recently to send the two youngsters on loan to the Championship outfit.
Chiquinhow as not in Julen Lopetegui’s plans for the upcoming campaign according to sporting director Matt Hobbs.
He has just recovered from a serious knee injury and the club want him to find his feet again.
Hoever spent the second half of last season on loan at Stoke, and is a player Neil is delighted to have back.
Potentially, it’s a really smart move from Wolves to send them both to Stoke, as they are likely to play regularly and on the same side of the pitch.
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And Neil is looking forward to deploying them.
Alex Neil excited by potential Hoever and Chiquinho combination
Neil has been speaking about his new recruits ahead of 2023/24.
And he is particularly excited about unleashing Hoever and Chiquinho on the right.
He said: “He’s (Chiquinho) quick, he’s dynamic, he’s direct. I watched him when he was playing in the Premier League and the fact that Wolves had the confidence to put him in at that level…
“He was a bit unfortunate to pick up an injury but he’s been back, I believe, since the end of February. His physical data is very good, we’ve looked at that. He’s played a few games in the end of last season.
“He was one that was presented to us, we’ve watched his stuff and we felt he would certainly add something to us.
“We’ve spoken about a lack of wide players and different types of options and he’ll certainly provide a good option. He can probably play on both sides but I predominantly see him off the right and with Ki-Jana Hoever behind him, who’s from the same club, it could be a dangerous partnership.”
Chiquinho recently impressed Stoke fans with his display against Burton Albion. He has also played against Everton, and is in contention to start against Rotherham United next weekend.
Chiquinho and Hoever could be brilliant together at Stoke
It was a very smart move to send both Chiquinho and Hoever to Stoke.
Hoever going back was always a possibility given he had made an impression there last season.
And it just made sense to have Chiquinho follow him.
It is very likely that Chiquinho will be playing just ahead of Hoever for the most part. Given they know each other from Wolves, there is potential here for them to real shine. They will already have a decent understanding of their games.
It would be brilliant if we are talking about them as being regulars at Wolves in a year’s time.