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Why Signing This Forgotten Liverpool Star Could Add A Lethal Weapon To Stoke’s Worst Attacking Unit

Stoke City are reportedly planning to land Liverpool forward Danny Ings in January, who has seen just 340 minutes of Premier League action since the start of 2015 season. The injury-plagued striker was highly instrumental for Burnley when they returned to the top tier in 2014, with 11 goals and 4 assists in the season, with over 3000 minutes on the pitch. He has been much wanted from other clubs too, which include West Ham United, Crystal Palace, West Bromwich Albion and Newcastle United.

His last goal came in the Merseyside derby in 2015, which was Brendan Rodgers’ last match. Since then, he has been out for a long-term due to an ACL injury and a damaged cartilage in his right knee. Even after a return, Danny Ings could see himself way down the pecking order, behind Roberto Firmino, Daniel Sturridge and summer signing Dominic Solanke.

The Englishman joined the Bournemouth youth system and broke into their reserve squad in 2009.  After spending a season on loan to Dorchester Town, where he scored 4 goals, Ings joined Burnley for a reported fee of £1 million. He scored 26 goals in 45 appearances for the Clarets which helped them secure a place in the Premier League. This was his breakthrough season.

The hype of the first division didn’t take a toll on him as he created and converted chances, being their top scorer in the 2014-15 season for his side. The forward has been hit by injuries since he joined the Reds, for whom he has scored 3 goals in 12 appearances. Roy Hodgson gave him his first England call-up in 2015 for the UEFA Euro qualifiers.

Ings has got a smart footballing mind, which is clearly illustrated with his activities in the box while attacking set pieces. He often out jumps his markers and is fine with his head. The former Claret offers a lot in the defensive area too as he puts in a lot of effort while tracking back. His long-distance shooting too is above par. Overall, Danny Ings is a near perfect strike package.

Stoke City are currently 15th on the table and suffered from an inconsistent campaign so far. They are just three points ahead of 18th placed West Ham and have been the league’s most generous defence, having conceded 35 goals. Mark Hughes’ side have left too much space behind the wings and have been punished. While going forward too, they haven’t really looked to dominate and have depended on individual performances from the likes of Shaqiri, Allen and Choupo-Moting.

The strike force has just 7 goals to their name, with Diouf bagging four and Crouch netting three of them, while the highly rated Berahino still hasn’t opened his account for the season. Ings could be a massive signing if they land him at the bet365, as he will be the focal point that the Potters have not had so far. He would be someone that sits in the 6-yard box, use his strength and finish off chances rather easily. With playmakers and creative players like Shaqiri and Choupo-Moting, Ings would enjoy holding up play and buying time for them. To add to that, he is a lethal finisher, both from inside and outside the box.