Joe Allen Loves Having ‘Freedom’ In New Midfield Position After Stoke City Beat Swansea 3-1

Joe Allen claims to be enjoying greater freedom in his new position as attacking midfielder for Stoke City, who defeated Swansea City 3-1 in Monday’s Premier League match at the Bet365 Stadium in Stoke on Trent, England.

Joe Allen Loves Having ‘Freedom’ In New Midfield Position After Stoke City Beat Swansea 3-1

The 26-year-old set up two goals for Wilfried Bony and looked dangerous all evening playing behind the striker.

When asked on SkySports whether the new role is his best position, Allen, a former Liverpool star, said: “I’ve never had a run of games in that position. There are things I can improve but I love the license and freedom to get further up the pitch.”

Thus far, Allen has been accustomed to playing in a deeper, more defensive role in central midfield, especially from his time at Liverpool and for Wales.

Furthermore, he admits that although he has demonstrated he is capable of contributing to attacking phases of play, he doesn’t know where he is most needed.

“It remains to be seen. A few more games and we’ll see if I can keep competing at a consistent level. I’m not really sure myself what my best position is,” he said.

Stokes manager Mark Hughes is the one who decided to play Allen in a more attacking position.

Hughes said: “First and foremost he’s an outstanding football player and good players can play anywhere. The first thing really that struck me was his anticipation of where the ball was going to land or where moves were going to be created and he was always on the front foot and anticipating things and he was doing it in midfield areas and defensive areas so why not do it in attacking areas? ”

Hughes continued: “And if he can anticipate things in the box, which he has been doing, then you’re going to get on the ends of things and score goals or at least create them like he did tonight.”

Former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry, who now manages the Belgium national team, also praised Allen.

“He is I think why that team is ticking at the moment. You know the passes and the late runs and he made the second goal of Bony,” said Henry, 39. “The outside of that left foot that he put back into the box and he made that look easy. He’s been brilliant and he’s been key and the reason why that team is playing well.”

Stoke City will next face West Ham in the Premier League on Saturday.

STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 31: Ki Sung-Yueng of Swansea City is challenged by Joe Allen of Stoke City during the Premier League match between Stoke City and Swansea City at Bet365 Stadium on October 31, 2016 in Stoke on Trent, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)