Swapping Barcelona for Stoke

Stoke City have completed the signing of Bojan Krkic from Barcelona on a 4 year deal for a undisclosed fee. A common question by many English pundits when watching top European talents is: "But can they do it on a rainy night in Stoke?" Well, we could find out the answer to that question in Bojan Krkic. Although no longer considered a top European talent, there was once a time when Bojan was tipped to follow in the footsteps of Lionel Messi. But what happened?  

Another graduate of Barcelona's famous La Masia academy, Bojan broke a lot of records in the youth system. Having joined the Catalan Club at the age of nine and within seven years he is rumoured to have had over 850 goals to his name. Aged 15, he was joint top-scorer at the 2006 Under-17 European Championships and at this point, it looked like there was nothing this boy could not achieve. Aged 17 years old, he scored the only goal in a Champions League quarter final fixture against Schalke, becoming the first player born in the 1990's to score in the tournament. Bojan's touch, speed and sensational dribbling skills made him become one of Barcelona's brightest talents.

Described as a "treasure" by one time manager Frank Rijkaard, it was he who brought him into the first team during the 07/08 season where he featured heavily at the tender age of 17. He made 48 appearances, scored 12 goals and set up another six, nothing short of impressive at such a age. But it why did it go down hill from this point?  

Once a La Masia gem, Stoke could be the place where he
finally fulfils his early potential 

Pressure. The pressure that became draped onto the shoulders of a young 17 year old caused him to crumble under the weight of Spanish expectation. The dismissal of favoured manager Rijkaard did not help the situation either and soon fell down the pecking order under new manager Pep Guardiola. Two years under Pep saw a lack of appearances, little impact and an eventual falling out saw Bojan leave the club on loan to Roma.  

Italy was not kind to Bojan. In a league which is much more physical than La Liga, Bojan just could not adapt his game. The Spaniard's light frame which aided him so well in terms of dribbling, hindered him for Roma as he so often found himself unable to cope with the physicality of defenders. Despite getting game time, his inconsistent form saw him leave for Milan on loan the following season in what was considered a poor campaign for Bojan. At Milan it got worse and he made very little impact at the San Siro, hardly featuring in the side.    

His brief spell in Holland was not considered
the greatest of successes

Surely Ajax would  be the sort of footballing institution that could resurrect Bojan's career. The Dutch league suited the possession football that he learnt his initial trade and looked like it was the perfect move. But it was not to be as Bojan was disappointing at Ajax, only able to register 4 goals and became a figure of ridicule at Ajax, often taunted by fans for his poor performances and decision making. 

Now 23 years old, Bojan is to apply his skills at Stoke. In a high tempo league, Bojan could well thrive and the Stoke faithful will be hoping this is the move where Bojan comes of age and starts to become fulfil the promise he showed in his early Barcelona years. With backing from Mark Hughes and game time, we could witness the real Bojan Krkic.