Maurice Edu: Why U.S. Star Can Thrive at Stoke with Charlie Adam

If you have been following Stoke City’s transfer news, you will be aware that the Potters have snapped up both Maurice Edu and Charlie Adam.

Edu has left the financially burdened Rangers, while Adam will not be part of Brendan Rodgers’ revolution at Anfield.

Edu progressed at Rangers, playing in 125 games overall and contributing 12 goals along the way.  He has made a total of 39 appearances for the U.S., but is not an instrumental player for Jürgen Klinsmann.

Adam was signed during Kenny Dalglish’s short-lived stint at Liverpool, but his time there was disappointing, especially considering his goal history at Blackpool.

Although Edu and Adam are not standout hot-shots; they both possess unique abilities in opposite areas of the field, which is a sign that they could complement one another in the middle of the pitch.

Both men are excited about the move to Stoke City.

Edu admitted to The Guardian, "I'm very excited. I've always been a fan of the Premier League and now I have that opportunity, so I'm just looking forward to it."

Adam also had his say when he told BBC Sport that “this club's on the up and it's great to be a part of it. I can do this club proud and I'm looking forward to the chance of playing in front of their passionate supporters."

Although both men will be vying for playing time in the middle of the field, their strengths are at opposite ends of the spectrum.

Edu is going to act as a box-to-box midfielder, and his versatility allows him to play as both a key midfielder and a central defender.

He is comfortable making hard tackles and aggressive on the ball, allowing him to contribute offensively and stop the opposition's attempts to attack.

Adam is definitely more of a threat in front of the net, and his strengths lie firmly in his ability to attack and create chances.

Edu is more of a battler and a ball winner. He could assist Adam by breaking up the play, giving Adam more space and time on the ball so he could be more creative.

More than likely, Edu would play in front of the back four, while Adam will sit further up the field.

There will definitely be a heated contest for playing time in the middle of the field. Not only will Edu and Adam be in direct competition with one another, but Tony Pulis was a dominant force on the transfer market, also signing Steven Nzonzi.