Allen loving life at No 10

Joe Allen is relishing the more advanced role that has seen him become an unlikely goalscoring hero since his switch to Stoke City this season.

The Welshman had traditionally been a more defensive-minded player during his time at previous clubs Swansea and Liverpool, but he has already netted four times in nine Premier League appearances for the Potters – as many as he managed in four years at Anfield.

Allen, 26, who faces former club Swansea on Monday Night Football, told Sky Sports that Mark Hughes’ decision to move him into a No 10 role is the primary reason behind his new prowess.

“I think the biggest change has been the position,” said Allen. “Obviously things seem to have fallen my way as well but I’ve been given a much more advanced role here, which means I’m getting myself into more goal-scoring positions.

“We’ve also got players in this team with creativity, and they’ve been able to put a few things on a plate for me. I’m obviously not the type of player who will tower over and score headers or be a handful …

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