Stoke supporters vote potent playmaker Powell as Potters player of the season

Nick Powell has been voted as the Stoke City player of the season by supporters.

The prolific playmaker has chalked up 12 goals throughout the 2020/21 season, as well as providing three assists, and has been a vital player for the Potters in Tyrese Campbell’s absence.

Powell has been fantastic for the Staffordshire outfit throughout the 2020/21 campaign. A player who is always well marked by opposing teams, because of his creativity and flair which can turn a game on it’s head.

The 27-year-old had linked up well with youngster Tyrese Campbell in the early stages of the season. Unfortunately for Campbell, his season ended prematurely as he was injured in early December – one of many injuries that plagued the Potters through the season.

In Campbell’s absence, Powell was forced to step up to give Stoke any hope of keeping up with the tight Championship playoff race.

Although Michael O’Neill’s side were unable to mount a strong playoff push in the New Year, Powell’s goal contributions and forward-thinking play did help to keep the Staffordshire outfit stay well away from the relegation battle.

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Powell accumulated 59% of supporters’ online votes and saw off healthy competition from young defender Harry Souttar and Championship veteran Steven Fletcher who have also impressed fans this year.

The playmaker expressed his gratitude to the Stoke supporters in an interview upon receiving the award with the Stoke City media team:

“It’s been a tough season, but I appreciated the support from the fans. Considering the supporters haven’t been in the stadium and we haven’t seen them all season, they’ve always continued their support which has been nice.”

The 27-year-old netted on 12 occasions in his 39 league appearances in red and white, in a season where goals haven’t come often for the North Staffordshire-side.

Goals included a crucial equaliser against Birmingham City in October, followed by a well struck volley in a 2-0 away victory against his former boss Nathan Jones’ Luton Town following the October International break.

Notable goals from the former Manchester United man came in back to back away trips in January. Powell put the Potters in the lead in the visit to Blackburn, alongside a crucial equaliser in an action-packed goal-fest away at Rotherham just days later.

The midfielder once again came back to haunt his former manager, Jones, as he netted a home brace against Luton in February.

Powell’s final goal of the season came at Ashton Gate on Good Friday, as he put the Potters into the lead against Bristol City, before he was part of an immaculately executed free kick which was fired home by Fletcher.

Powell has been a key player for Stoke through an injury riddled season for the Potters: Powell had played in the front line of attack on a handful of occasions whilst Fletcher recovered from an injury of his own.

Stoke’s number 25 became the first Stoke player to reach double figures in a league season since Ricardo Fuller in the 2008/09 season – the Potters’ first season in the Premier League.

Next season, the midfielder will be hoping to build on his strong showing through the 20/21 season and potentially equal his goal tally as well as close in on a double figures tally of assists.

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