How Stoke’s Youthful Back Three Have Set the Pace for the Potters This Campaign

Whether it's a model central defender setting the example, a masterful midfielder to match or an expert strike partner to emulate, the growth of young players is almost always accelerated when said player is nurtured by an elder associate, with every minute on the pitch alongside such seasoned pros a different lesson in how to succeed in the senior game. 

Look no further than the current Premier League to find Mason Greenwood playing off Cristiano Ronaldo or Edinson Cavani at Manchester United and Chelsea's Trevoh Chalobah to the right of Thiago Silva and Antonio Rudiger, it's clear to see how they've matured just from the start of the season until now. There is no doubt that the experience of working with teammates that are so established is incredibly valuable in high pressured situations, but what happens when that access isn't available? 

Player Analysis: Antonio Rüdiger

From last season to this, the average age of Stoke City's most used back three has gone from 28 to 21.3, and yet they look considerably more solid and self-assured as a unit so far this campaign. It might not be conventional to neglect the presence of a known leader who many teams rely on to coach fellow defenders through matches and instill discipline and confidence throughout the team, but this refreshing spin on the three-back system has worked absolute wonders thus far.