Mark Robins has double Stoke City weapon that Championship clubs must be fearful of | OneFootball

Stoke's left-hand side has proven extremely effective in the early weeks of the season

After years of finishing in mid-table obscurity since their relegation from the Premier League back in 2018, there are plenty of reasons for Stoke City supporters to be optimistic about their club bucking such a negative trend this season.

The Potters had previously established themselves as top-flight regulars during a decade-long period that saw locals treated to top-half finishes, an FA Cup final and a run to the UEFA Europa League Round of 32 under the likes of Tony Pulis and Mark Hughes.

Since then, those at the Bet365 Stadium have known nothing but decline, with Stoke either having nothing to play for towards the end of the campaign, or in last season's case, still needing an adequate number of points to preserve their Championship status.

However, in Mark Robins, the Reds have one of the division's most efficient and successful managers of recent times on their books, and that has been proven in a major upsurge in fortunes in the early weeks of the season.

The man who masterminded Coventry City's rapid rise from the depths of League Two to two penalty shootouts away from the Premier League and an FA Cup final in less than 12 months has conducted a major squad overhaul at the Bet365 this summer, with several new additions already having a telling impact as they find themselves second having picked up 12 points from the first 15 available.

Unsurprisingly, many players have drawn praise from those in the stands, pundits and the manager simultaneously, but it is in one area of the pitch in particular where City have stood out this season thus far.

Aaron Cresswell could be one of the signings of the summer after Stoke City impact

The aforementioned squad overhaul saw Robins acquire 10 new signings throughout the summer window, including the vastly-experienced Aaron Cresswell.

Cresswell had previously been an ever-reliable figure for West Ham United during an 11-year association with the East London side after previously starring at second-tier level with Ipswich Town.

The 35-year-old has developed a reputation for being an extremely well-rounded full-back, with 11 goals and 37 assists for the Hammers in 369 appearances proving exactly why, and the Liverpudlian has continued such feats in the early weeks of his spell with Stoke, making his free transfer look like one of the bargains of the window.

Since his switch, Cresswell has started all five league games, forming a key part of an extremely tight-knit defensive unit that also includes Ben Wilmot, Bosun Lawal, Junior Tchamadeu and Viktor Johansson. His defensive nous and positioning have continued to be exemplary, only being dribbled past 0.2 times on average per 90 minutes, as well as strong numbers when it comes to recovery tackles and clearances.

The veteran full-back has also played a key role in progressing play further up the pitch with 1.4 key passes per game, the creation of two big chances and his first assist for the club against Birmingham City last weekend as the Potters chalked up another early-season win.

Sorba Thomas has already proven his worth to Mark Robins and Stoke City

However, arguably the most impressive piece of business for Stoke was the capture of Sorba Thomas from Huddersfield Town, with the Welsh international being one of the division's standout performers to date with two goals and three assists.

The 26-year-old previously excelled at this level for the Terriers, including two seasons where his overall goal contribution tally hit double-figures, such as the club's relegation season of 2023/24 where he accrued four goals and nine assists.

After a mixed loan spell with Nantes last term, the Londoner has already become a lethal weapon in Robins' armoury inside five games, utilising his direct nature, bursts of pace and creative ability to full effect.

Thomas has caused opposition full-backs no end of problems early doors, which was perfectly proven by his counter-attack goal in the 2-1 victory at Southampton in August, as well as causing Ethan Laird plenty of issues in the recent 1-0 win over Birmingham.

It is early days, of course, but Robins and supporters have already seen the 'X-factor' which a player of Thomas' calibre and unpredictability can bring. He's already forming a lightning-quick partnership with the likes of Million Manhoef and Manchester City loanee, Divin Mubama, at the top end of the pitch that some of the division's best-rated defenders have struggled to handle.

As impressive as that has been, and can continue to be, it is comfortably his skill-set, coupled with the experience of Cresswell, that is proving extremely beneficial for Robins, and has somewhat gone under-the-radar on the outside.