Marco van Ginkel has finally been given a proper chance to prove himself in English football, after two years of waiting. The Dutch midfielder will spend the 2015/16 season at Stoke on loan, as part of the deal that took Asmir Begovic in the opposite direction.
Two years ago, van Ginkel joined Chelsea from Dutch side Vitesse Arnhem in a deal worth £9m. He was tipped to have a bright future, but an injury packed two seasons since his arrival to Stamford Bridge has damaged his progress.
The central midfielder spent last season in the Serie A with AC Milan, where he carried on with receiving injuries. However, he is now returning to the Premier League, playing at the Britannia Stadium and will be hoping for a fresh season, with less injuries.
Mark Hughes has been busy. Alongside signing van Ginkel, he also brought on Irish international Shay Given to replace the departed Begovic. Former England right back Glen Johnson has also been signed up following his release from Liverpool.
On Sunday, the trio arrived in Singapore to take part in the Barclays Asia Trophy pre-season tournament, with their first appearances coming against fellow Premier League side Everton on Wednesday. Ahead of the game, van Ginkel told Stoke City’s official website,
I had a very good feeling to come to Stoke
“I had a conversation with the manager and it was very good. If you come to club it’s always important to speak to the manager, to see what he’s thinking about your place in the team.”
“I’m happy to be here and it’s good to meet all the boys for the first time in Singapore. I am looking forward to a great week of football.”
“Hopefully I can play a lot of games. My objectives are to be fit and playing games. I’m very excited to be playing in the Premier League.”
“I had one big knee injury and a couple of little injuries that stopped me from playing but hopefully this year I will be fit all season, be important to the team and get used to the Premier League.”
“I want to be an important part of the team. I had an injury after two games at Chelsea so I couldn’t play a lot of games, hopefully this year I will play a lot.”
‘The Premier League is a bigger competition, bigger clubs and I think better players. It is going to be harder and a little bit more physical but I am looking forward to the challenge.”
Hughes will see him as an athletic midfield replacement for Steven N’Zonzi who has joined Sevilla,
“I’m a box-to-box player and I think I can make a contribution both up front but also defensively,’ said Van Ginkel. ‘I work hard, that’s what I want to bring to the team. Hopefully, I can be important with goals and assists.”
