Ben Gibson

Ben Gibson, at the heart of Stoke City's defence, crafts a compelling picture of a seasoned Championship centre back. His playing style is characterised by a keen eye for progressive passing, making him a crucial link between defence and attack. While his penalty area defending stands out, illustrating his knack for reading the game and positioning, his ability to recover the ball and retain possession could be more consistent. Despite being 32, Gibson's experience shines through in his defensive duels, even if his 1v1 defending doesn't always hit the mark. Not known for his attacking prowess, it's a pleasant surprise to see him pose a notable goal threat, adding a layer of unpredictability to his game. As part of this scout report, it’s clear that while he might not be the fastest on the pitch, his understanding of the game and ability to distribute the ball progressively offer Stoke City a reliable presence at the back.