TALOVIEROV 'STANDS OUT AS A REAL, TRUE LEADER'

Robins keen to bring potential out of Ukrainian defender as he leaves Plymouth Argyle to join Stoke

- Peter Smith

MAKSYM Talovierov has the potential to develop into a 'true leader' at Stoke City, believes Mark Robins.

The 25-year-old Ukraine centre-back has joined Stoke from Plymouth Argyle after impressing with his performances and character in the Championship in the second half of last season.

He has previously had tastes of Europa League football during his time with LASK in Austria and Slavia Prague, and Stoke had to fight off considerable competition to make sure they got him at the bet365 Stadium on a three-year contract.

His drive is what caught Robins' attention during talks to get the deal over the line, and the manager is looking forward to trying to coax out all the potential.

Robins said: “The Ukrainian people are going through a hell of a time at the moment and you can’t imagine what they feel.