Baker going nowhere

[Boothenpotter89]

The manager has just said after today lad game he can’t wait until baker is 100% fit because he’s going to be key to the team and the way he wants us to play

Going nowhere after these comments which is really positive !

[GeneralFaye]

Impressed me today and I would've said that even without the goal going in.

[pushon]

Jan 13, 2024 18:25:48 GMT Boothenpotter89 said:

The manager has just said after today lad game he can’t wait until baker is 100% fit because he’s going to be key to the team and the way he wants us to play

Going nowhere after these comments which is really positive !

Really good news👌

[canadianmoose]

A motivated Baker like we had when he first arrived is an asset.
The one we have had for the last couple of seasons has been a waste of space.
He appears to be getting back to his best with a manger that believes in him. That’s good for him and good for us. Hope it continues.

[bayernoatcake]

He’s clearly the sort of player the manager will love so the comments last week from Radio Stoke made no sense.

Baker will absolutely key to our success.

[y_oh_y_delilah]

He brings energy and skill to midfield, box-to-box and as proved today a wand of a right foot.

My personal favourite Stoke player since the day he signed although, perhaps with very good reason, he refused to perform to his full potential under a couple of previous managers.

Better, much better, than a new January window signing because he knows his way round the club and how the powers that be want us to play and improve.

He’s now playing for a man who appreciates him and we’re all going to reap the rewards of the confidence that gives him.

[FullerMagic]

Yeah, think we can say he's not for sale.

Just a slight worry it's going to force Bae out onto the wing




www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/stoke-city-lewis-baker-rotherham-9033037

“It was a brilliant goal, yeah. Unstoppable. That's the sort of ability that Lewis's got. I'm really pleased for him. It's been a tough season for him. He hasn't played loads of football because of his injury but since we came into the building, he's been bright.

“He shows his quality on the same pitch and every day and he does things properly. That's what I like about him. He looks like he's a proper model professional which is what we need at this club. I’m delighted for him, it was a special goal.”

“He's unbelievable (in terms of scoring potential). He's one of the most naturally two-footed players I've seen and worked with so that’s a bonus. He can shift it to either side and shoot from the edge of the box and that’s a brilliant skill to have. Not many people can do that – and he has other attributes as well. I’ve been really impressed with his work rate and how competitive he’s been. He hasn’t just been getting involved when we’ve got the ball, he’s done a shift off the ball which, as a midfield player, you need to do.”


“I think me picking him in the last few games has sort of said that. I think he's the type of player as you say that I like in that system. He’s a midfield player that's comfortable on the ball, he competes really well and he's got a goal in him.

“The most important thing for him is that he stays available, keep fit, keeps working hard in training and he’ll get to know that system better the longer we’re here. He's done really well and he's a talented player and we need people like that.”

[Fred Merger]

He's doing the job for us now that Azaz was doing for Schuey at Plymouth!

[Mint Berry Barks]

It's fascinating how much a manager can impact a player's career and confidence.

When he first turned up, Baker was great at creating/scoring from midfield. Then under AN he couldn't get a sniff.

Now he looks like he's getting back to his best. To be a fly on the wall sometimes.

[Fred Merger]

Jan 13, 2024 18:41:38 GMT FullerMagic said:

Yeah, think we can say he's not for sale.

Just a slight worry it's going to force Bae out onto the wing




www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/stoke-city-lewis-baker-rotherham-9033037

“It was a brilliant goal, yeah. Unstoppable. That's the sort of ability that Lewis's got. I'm really pleased for him. It's been a tough season for him. He hasn't played loads of football because of his injury but since we came into the building, he's been bright.

“He shows his quality on the same pitch and every day and he does things properly. That's what I like about him. He looks like he's a proper model professional which is what we need at this club. I’m delighted for him, it was a special goal.”

“He's unbelievable (in terms of scoring potential). He's one of the most naturally two-footed players I've seen and worked with so that’s a bonus. He can shift it to either side and shoot from the edge of the box and that’s a brilliant skill to have. Not many people can do that – and he has other attributes as well. I’ve been really impressed with his work rate and how competitive he’s been. He hasn’t just been getting involved when we’ve got the ball, he’s done a shift off the ball which, as a midfield player, you need to do.”


“I think me picking him in the last few games has sort of said that. I think he's the type of player as you say that I like in that system. He’s a midfield player that's comfortable on the ball, he competes really well and he's got a goal in him.

“The most important thing for him is that he stays available, keep fit, keeps working hard in training and he’ll get to know that system better the longer we’re here. He's done really well and he's a talented player and we need people like that.”

I'd be much happier if it forced Laurent out!

[callas12]

Jan 13, 2024 18:34:57 GMT canadianmoose said:

A motivated Baker like we had when he first arrived is an asset.
The one we have had for the last couple of seasons has been a waste of space.
He appears to be getting back to his best with a manger that believes in him. That’s good for him and good for us. Hope it continues.

I do wonder how much he was playing through with an injury aswell. The surgeries he had and the time it's taken him to recuperate does possibly suggest he was being played when carrying an injury and never 100% with regards to his fitness levels.

Sure AN didn't utilise him right either and this frustrated him and most likely caused a bit of a clash behind the scenes.

Thought he was immense today, That goal and the quality of it was the icing on the cake of his performance today I thought.

Looked up for it,hungry & more importantly as though he was enjoying himself again & was sync'd with the managers plans. Nice to see the rapport he had with the fans before was most definitely back today 👏🏻. All every encouraging.

[thehartshillbadger]

Jan 13, 2024 18:41:38 GMT FullerMagic said:

Yeah, think we can say he's not for sale.

Just a slight worry it's going to force Bae out onto the wing




www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/stoke-city-lewis-baker-rotherham-9033037

“It was a brilliant goal, yeah. Unstoppable. That's the sort of ability that Lewis's got. I'm really pleased for him. It's been a tough season for him. He hasn't played loads of football because of his injury but since we came into the building, he's been bright.

“He shows his quality on the same pitch and every day and he does things properly. That's what I like about him. He looks like he's a proper model professional which is what we need at this club. I’m delighted for him, it was a special goal.”

“He's unbelievable (in terms of scoring potential). He's one of the most naturally two-footed players I've seen and worked with so that’s a bonus. He can shift it to either side and shoot from the edge of the box and that’s a brilliant skill to have. Not many people can do that – and he has other attributes as well. I’ve been really impressed with his work rate and how competitive he’s been. He hasn’t just been getting involved when we’ve got the ball, he’s done a shift off the ball which, as a midfield player, you need to do.”


“I think me picking him in the last few games has sort of said that. I think he's the type of player as you say that I like in that system. He’s a midfield player that's comfortable on the ball, he competes really well and he's got a goal in him.

“The most important thing for him is that he stays available, keep fit, keeps working hard in training and he’ll get to know that system better the longer we’re here. He's done really well and he's a talented player and we need people like that.”

If he’s playing well who cares? Why wouldn’t you want the best player in the best position. Competition for places can only be a good thing surely

[blackpoolred]

I would love to see our manager bring the best out of him - could be outstanding at this level and he and Burger would not look out of place in the Prem.

Can't help feeling he and the club are playing for a move and a big fee though - he is the one we could get a lot of money for if a Prem team comes in - should he have an excellent Jan.

the72.co.uk/2024/01/08/stoke-city-willing-to-listen-to-bids-for-midfield-trio/

[Deleted]

Jan 13, 2024 18:27:26 GMT GeneralFaye said:

Impressed me today and I would've said that even without the goal going in.

He's played well since he came back into the team, and I was saying that before he scored that superb free kick as well, just like yourself.

[FullerMagic]

Jan 13, 2024 18:43:09 GMT thehartshillbadger said:

Jan 13, 2024 18:41:38 GMT FullerMagic said:

Yeah, think we can say he's not for sale.

Just a slight worry it's going to force Bae out onto the wing




www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/stoke-city-lewis-baker-rotherham-9033037

“It was a brilliant goal, yeah. Unstoppable. That's the sort of ability that Lewis's got. I'm really pleased for him. It's been a tough season for him. He hasn't played loads of football because of his injury but since we came into the building, he's been bright.

“He shows his quality on the same pitch and every day and he does things properly. That's what I like about him. He looks like he's a proper model professional which is what we need at this club. I’m delighted for him, it was a special goal.”

“He's unbelievable (in terms of scoring potential). He's one of the most naturally two-footed players I've seen and worked with so that’s a bonus. He can shift it to either side and shoot from the edge of the box and that’s a brilliant skill to have. Not many people can do that – and he has other attributes as well. I’ve been really impressed with his work rate and how competitive he’s been. He hasn’t just been getting involved when we’ve got the ball, he’s done a shift off the ball which, as a midfield player, you need to do.”


“I think me picking him in the last few games has sort of said that. I think he's the type of player as you say that I like in that system. He’s a midfield player that's comfortable on the ball, he competes really well and he's got a goal in him.

“The most important thing for him is that he stays available, keep fit, keeps working hard in training and he’ll get to know that system better the longer we’re here. He's done really well and he's a talented player and we need people like that.”

If he’s playing well who cares? Why wouldn’t you want the best player in the best position. Competition for places can only be a good thing surely

He doesn't seem to see Bae as one of these "Number 8s" he speaks of all the time.

www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0h2km4p (48 mins in)

He pointedly listed Cundle, Baker, Johnson and Laurent as his No. 8 stable pre-match. Could've been an oversight, but maybe shows where his mind is at with regards to where he sees Bae, which is a little bit at odds with the eye test so far.

If Baker and Cundle are the 2 he's going to pencil in ahead of Burger for most games, it's going to be interesting to see where he sees Bae.. especially if another wide player arrives.

[FullerMagic]

[thehartshillbadger]

Jan 13, 2024 18:51:53 GMT FullerMagic said:

Jan 13, 2024 18:43:09 GMT thehartshillbadger said:

If he’s playing well who cares? Why wouldn’t you want the best player in the best position. Competition for places can only be a good thing surely

He doesn't seem to see Bae as one of these "Number 8s" he speaks of all the time.

www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0h2km4p (48 mins in)

He pointedly listed Cundle, Baker, Johnson and Laurent as his No. 8 stable pre-match. Could've been an oversight, but maybe shows where his mind is at with regards to where he sees Bae, which is a little bit at odds with the eye test so far.

If Baker and Cundle are the 2 he's going to pencil in ahead of Burger for most games, it's going to be interesting to see where he sees Bae.. especially if another wide player arrives.

Yes that’s a fair summary but you have to trust the manager at this stage. Bae is still young and raw but obviously has immense talent. Maybe the manager feels like he needs a bit more championship experience in there at this time to push on. Bae’s time will inevitably come, but maybe he’s just ushering him away from the spotlight for a while whilst we consolidate. Seems fair to me.

[Gary Hackett]

Jan 13, 2024 18:41:38 GMT FullerMagic said:

Yeah, think we can say he's not for sale.

Just a slight worry it's going to force Bae out onto the wing




www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/stoke-city-lewis-baker-rotherham-9033037

“It was a brilliant goal, yeah. Unstoppable. That's the sort of ability that Lewis's got. I'm really pleased for him. It's been a tough season for him. He hasn't played loads of football because of his injury but since we came into the building, he's been bright.

“He shows his quality on the same pitch and every day and he does things properly. That's what I like about him. He looks like he's a proper model professional which is what we need at this club. I’m delighted for him, it was a special goal.”

“He's unbelievable (in terms of scoring potential). He's one of the most naturally two-footed players I've seen and worked with so that’s a bonus. He can shift it to either side and shoot from the edge of the box and that’s a brilliant skill to have. Not many people can do that – and he has other attributes as well. I’ve been really impressed with his work rate and how competitive he’s been. He hasn’t just been getting involved when we’ve got the ball, he’s done a shift off the ball which, as a midfield player, you need to do.”


“I think me picking him in the last few games has sort of said that. I think he's the type of player as you say that I like in that system. He’s a midfield player that's comfortable on the ball, he competes really well and he's got a goal in him.

“The most important thing for him is that he stays available, keep fit, keeps working hard in training and he’ll get to know that system better the longer we’re here. He's done really well and he's a talented player and we need people like that.”

Yep, was thinking that myself, he's not going to drop Cundle or Burger so there's no place for Junho unless it's on the wing.

[lordb]

His runs of the ball were excellent

[thischarmingmanc]

Theres going to be injuries, supsenions and tatical switches, but yes i think we will see Bae on the wing as much as in midfield.

Jan 13, 2024 19:39:15 GMT Gary Hackett said:

Jan 13, 2024 18:41:38 GMT FullerMagic said:

Yeah, think we can say he's not for sale.

Just a slight worry it's going to force Bae out onto the wing




www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/stoke-city-lewis-baker-rotherham-9033037

“It was a brilliant goal, yeah. Unstoppable. That's the sort of ability that Lewis's got. I'm really pleased for him. It's been a tough season for him. He hasn't played loads of football because of his injury but since we came into the building, he's been bright.

“He shows his quality on the same pitch and every day and he does things properly. That's what I like about him. He looks like he's a proper model professional which is what we need at this club. I’m delighted for him, it was a special goal.”

“He's unbelievable (in terms of scoring potential). He's one of the most naturally two-footed players I've seen and worked with so that’s a bonus. He can shift it to either side and shoot from the edge of the box and that’s a brilliant skill to have. Not many people can do that – and he has other attributes as well. I’ve been really impressed with his work rate and how competitive he’s been. He hasn’t just been getting involved when we’ve got the ball, he’s done a shift off the ball which, as a midfield player, you need to do.”


“I think me picking him in the last few games has sort of said that. I think he's the type of player as you say that I like in that system. He’s a midfield player that's comfortable on the ball, he competes really well and he's got a goal in him.

“The most important thing for him is that he stays available, keep fit, keeps working hard in training and he’ll get to know that system better the longer we’re here. He's done really well and he's a talented player and we need people like that.”

Yep, was thinking that myself, he's not going to drop Cundle or Burger so there's no place for Junho unless it's on the wing.

[gawa]

Excellent footballer at this level - criminally underused by Alex Neil and fans unfairly turned on him too. Pleased to see Schumacher utilising him properly and showing Alex Neil was the problem not Baker.

Has slotted in seamlessly considering his lack of minutes.

[cvillestokie]

It may change with Cundle, but at present Baker is the only one that you almost expect to score when a decent chance is presented to him.

Those players are hard to find. It doesn’t matter if he’s pretty average around the rest of the pitch: goals win games.

Hopefully DJ and Laurent will be gone by the end of this or next window.

[gingerninja]

Yes, I think Bae is going to be some player, I guess the more quality we have, the better..wonder if Bae would have played today if he had been fit?.

[maine]

A dissenting voice here. Obviously the freekick was first rate, as was Baker's performance in the first half. In the second Rotherham gained at least equality in midfield. Which brings me to Cundle. I watched him during his loan spell at Swansea and thought him maybe just a tad better than average at this level. I thought the same of him today. It's too early but in Bae I'm convinced we have a future star, and in my opinion he needs to take priority over someone who is after all a loanee.

[whatsashig]

I think all the players are rejuvenated cus of the attitude and approach of the manager. We see it from a a fan/supporter point of view, we are cus we want see some good nogger. It seems to me he’s encouraging good nogger from what he wants to see and how the game should be played. I get we are witnessing the way he wants play is for sure a good way to approach the game, and the players are enjoying that too, it looks really good for me. Installing something that actually goes beyond what pulis did and doing something that macari did.

[boskampsflaps]

That's a shame, he offers nothing aside from the odd goal, its not an opinion many share I imagine and after the free kick the other night I can understand why others would disagree but we lack creativity and he offers none of it.

[lordb]

We do have too many midfielders though
Ideally Laurent and Johnson would move on or Pearson

Given Laurent is injured presumably he won't

Sol on loan might be in order

[baconburger]

Jan 14, 2024 11:09:33 GMT lordb said:

We do have too many midfielders though
Ideally Laurent and Johnson would move on or Pearson

Given Laurent is injured presumably he won't

Sol on loan might be in order

I’d say Burger and Junho are almost sacrosanct. I’d sell any of our other midfielders for a price in some instances the price would be nothing DJ.

[OldStokie]

This was the Baker we had when he was on loan. It's pretty much like a good new signing if he keeps it up. Well done lad.

OS.

[dirtygary69]

Jan 13, 2024 19:46:32 GMT gawa said:

Excellent footballer at this level - criminally underused by Alex Neil and fans unfairly turned on him too. Pleased to see Schumacher utilising him properly and showing Alex Neil was the problem not Baker.

Has slotted in seamlessly considering his lack of minutes.

If anyone was like me, I thought the manager needed complete backing and any player that fell foul of him was probably at fault. Baker’s performances under him did tail off and I don’t think he was suited to Neil ball (whatever the hell that was) but everything points towards Neil treating him like a chump. Schumacher says he does everything right and I’m sure even under Neil there were never any complaints about his approach.

I thought he was done here and didn’t see this resurgence so hats off to him. He looks ideal
for what Schumacher wants and can see Laurent having to fight for a place in the squad, if he doesn’t move on this window.