Robert Huth
#4
Centre back
d.o.b: 18/08/84
Signed: August 2009
Games this season: 23/3
Goals this season: 1
Total club games: 102/5
Total club goals : 13
German international Huth came with a massive reputation and didn't disappoint, showing great composure aswell as versatility to play at both centre back and full back.
Stoke found their luck was in when 'Boro were forced to sell due to their relegation from the Premier League, the financial implications of that and the fact that during World Cup year the player wanted to be playing at as higher a level as possible decisive factors in helping the Potters secure his signature.
Commanding in the air and with unlimited bravery when defending his goal Huth epitomises the Pulis spirit and fitted straight in with the Stoke ethic.
Prior to joining Stoke he had been hampered by injuries, but a new club seemed to help him put those behind him and he enjoyed an injury free first season at the Brit.
Competed with first choice centre backs Abdoulaye Faye and Ryan Shawcross for the central berths but found himself at right back for most of the season as Pulis played four natural centre backs across the defence.
Fee of £6,000,000 made him clubs record signing at the time, taking the mantle from flop David Kitson, but he then relinquished the honour to £8m man Kenwyne Jones in August 2010.
He started 2010/11 at full back but after moving inside to cover for an injury to Faye he formed a formidable partnership with Shawcross and that, along with 9 goals, saw him take a clean sweep at the end of season awards but he will forever be disappointed that a knee injury meant he played the FA Cup final well short of 100%.