Manchester United loanee Axel Tuanzebe has been praised for giving Stoke City "more security" since arriving on loan from the Reds in the January transfer window.
The 25-year-old has made five appearances for the Potters since joining the club on loan for the second half of the season. He has missed a host of matches in recent months through a back injury and hadn't started a league game since November 2021.
Tuanzebe had to wait for his chance under Alex Neil, but he has gone on to make four starts and a sub appearance and has impressed in recent weeks. He has been praised by his central defensive partner Ben Wilmot, who suggested the United man had 'relieved the pressure' on the back-four after they were struggling with injuries.
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"He’s been really good, settled in really quickly and it’s given us lads a bit more security in terms of numbers at the back, where were light," Wilmot said. "We always felt we were one or two injuries away from being really short. It’s relieved the pressure a little bit and allowed us to rotate. Axel has come in and played well. I enjoy playing with him.
"We have conceded a few disappointing goals this season, especially early on in games, which has made it harder for ourselves but I think on the whole we’ve been pretty good in terms of the amount of goals we’ve conceded.
"The last handful of games it’s felt very solid. We’ve felt in the game and then we can give it to the lads up front to go and make something happen for us. That’s good."
Stoke, who also have Phil Jagielka as one of their centre-back options, currently sit 13th in the Championship table.
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