Stoke City‘s recent barren run in front of goal ended in style in Bournemouth when Giannelli Imbula sent a thumping volley into the back of the net.
The midfielder was recruited by the Potters in the January transfer window following a miserable stay at FC Porto, and while he has struggled to assert himself in his first few outings in English football, he demonstrated his class at the Vitality Stadium.
Imbula’s effort came only nine minutes into the match, and represents a major fillip for a Stoke City who have slumped to three consecutive league defeats and not scored in the EPL since January 13.
The 23-year-old has likely been brought to Stoke for his defensive qualities; he is a genuine battler in the heart of the park, and will bring tenacity and thorough tackling to the Potters’ midfield.
However, he can also impress offensively, both with his dribbling skills, his desire to join the attack and, as Bournemouth found out on Saturday, his long-range shooting.
Stoke fans will hope it’s the first of many.
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