Stoke City are one of the Premier League's more interesting, unpredictable teams these days. Long gone are the days of dreary 1-1 draws and Rory Delap spectaculars, they are a club showing ambition, a team with a taste for the big time and they have the players to really compete at the top of the Premier League.

Mark Hughes has shown an understanding of what the owners want, or so it seems. A change from the direct, win-at-all-costs football of Tony Pulis has seen the side become a flaky, yet enjoyable, collection of footballers. No footballer epitomises this more than Marko Arnautovic.

The one consistent issue for the Potters of late has been their defence. Although Wollscheid has been moved on, it was not he who caused the greatest problems, but rather the skipper, Ryan Shawcross.

A club legend, Shawcross is fair way off receiving much blame from Stoke fans. But that shouldn't stop Mark Hughes seeing the obvious and acting accordingly in January...

Injury woe

Shawcross' injury absences have become lengthier and more frequent, which must be of concern to Mark Hughes and the rest of the Stoke hierarchy. After each return from injury, particularly his back, has taken longer for the centre-half to return to something like his old self.

Defences thrive with consistent selection, regular partnerships build understanding and that is where you see the most solid units. Missing the odd match is not much of an issue, but too often Shawcross has been unavailable for prolonged periods. His recovery time seems to be slowing from each knock and it is not healthy for the team to build around a player who cannot be relied upon.

Captain or not, Shawcross' injuries either need to vanish or Hughes needs to muster some better solutions in his absence.

Limitations increasing

Although he has never exactly been Franz Beckenbauer, Shawcross did have more to his game that many would have been willing to give him credit for. Unfortunately for Hughes, he seems to be losing certain facets of his game, even by this stage of his career.

These may be a simple result of injury troubles, or even different requirements from Hughes, but the Potters' captain is looking more isolated when asked to play up the pitch. A distinct lack of protection from Stoke's midfield has not helped, and too often Stoke's centre-backs have been swamped by third-man runners from midfield.

Having allowed Wollscheid to leave, Stoke look short of options in central defence. Replacing Shawcross may not be the first port of call, but they need a player capable of filling the void, without having to call on Marc Muniesa or Geoff Cameron - who are often used in other positions.

Adaptation issues

Stoke's centre-backs are no longer told to lump it forward at any given opportunity. Their approach to the game has changed, it is about keeping possession and looking for one of their gifted midfielders.

Shawcross is no mug in possession, but this system is not exactly bringing out the best in him. Martins Indi is unlikely to be playing any Pique-esque passes either, leaving Marc Muniesa as the lone ball-playing centre-back. Perhaps Stoke would benefit from the former Barcelona man taking Glenn Whelan's role at six and dictating play from there.