READY TO PROVE A POINT

Winger Manhoef determined to star on international duty and bring form back to the Potteries

- Peter Smith

MILLION Manhoef believes he is emerging from a tough first 18 months at Stoke City as a stronger, more complete player - as he prepares to try to give a glimpse of his true potential at the under-21s European Championships.

The 23-year-old winger, inset, joined Stoke from Vitesse Arnhem in January 2024 and has since been involved in two fights at the wrong end of the Championship under three different managers, while also overcoming the first serious injury of his career.

But he is not fazed by everything that has been thrown at him, including having previously had to deal with a crisis at Vitesse, and he is determined to learn from each challenge.

"I think I’m a better player for the experience, definitely," he told the Sentinel from his training camp in the Netherlands.

"I've definitely become more fit because the intensity is very high. In Holland I stood out for speed but in the Championship everyone is fast and strong so you have to do more on the ball and with your positioning. I definitely think I’m a better player - but I think I haven’t shown my potential yet.