Hughes tips Pieters for Stoke success

Stoke City manager Mark Hughes is confident new signing Erik Pieters will quickly adjust to life in the Premier League.

Left-back Pieters joined Stoke from PSV Eindhoven in June, and was quickly followed through the door by Barcelona defender Marc Muniesa.

Hughes anticipates that Pieters, who has won 17 caps for the Netherlands, will take less time than Muniesa to adapt to the English game, but expects both to prove their quality for the Britannia Stadium outfit.

“Looking at the squad it was evident to me there was a lack of naturally left-footed players. We needed to address that, and there were good opportunities to bring in the right quality as well.

“Erik is a bit older and a little more experienced than Marc, but both have played at a good level.

“Erik has played at a top club in the Dutch league so technically, as you would expect, he is very good. He is a player I think will adjust very quickly to the Premier League.

“Marc is a young man who has made a big step. He has come from one of the top clubs in the world to try to make his career in the Premier League.

“It is a big decision, but I have been impressed with him. I think we have a very good player on our hands.

“His technical ability is without question, he just needs now to adjust to the Premier League.”