Source: FOOTYMAD
Player Ratings: Season 2009/10
How the Potters stars rated this season Steve Simonsen - 6 - Had an up and down Carling Cup campaign, conceding quite a few goals, but an outstanding display away at Spurs, as a last minute stand in, secured all three points Danny Higginbotham - 7 - In and out of the side all season, at both left back and centre back, and although distribution didn't improve through season but was steady in defensive duties Robert Huth - 8 - The outstanding signing of last summer, he was reguarly played out of position at full back but was commanding no matter where he was put and, alongside Shawcross, could be at the heart of the City defence for years to come Glenn Whelan - 6 - Inconsistency ruined his season as he had one good game, followed by two bad games. Came into a good run of form after Christmas, especially in the mini series against Manchester City, but couldn't maintain form and place in the side is under threat Liam Lawrence - 5 - Was never fit all season and his performances suffered. Needed a run of games but poor showings meant he was never able to get that run James Beattie - 4 - Unfit, uninterested, scrapped with the manager and then tried to sue the gaffer, draw your own conclusions Ricardo Fuller - 8 - Insprirational at times and, after a lean spell in the first half of the season, found the net reguarly after Christmas and also set up plenty of goals with some brilliant flashes of skill Mama Sidibe - 6 - Had a few fantastic games, usually after a break, but form was terrible for long periods and worrying lack of goals again David Kitson - 6 - Some terrific goals and seemed to be more up for it but never seemed settled in the squad and was loaned out to Middlesbrough. Returned to score some vital goals and be given yet another chance but blew it when he stormed off at Chelsea after being subbed Danny Pugh - 6 - Only made four starts, and eight sub appearances, but never let the side down. Scored a poachers header against Arsenal and was always there to put a shift in and a vital squad member Salif Diao - 6 - Some brilliant displays, Everton and Spurs away, but a lot of games that passed him by and that he was unable to influence. Great moment when he slid in to score first Potters goal in 92nd minute away at Pompey, winning the game Ryan Shawcross - 9 - Absolute colossus at the heart of the defence. Won everything all season, rarely, if ever, did he get dominated by a defender. Bounced back from the publicity and emotional trauma that surrounded him following the tackle that broke Ramsey's leg to return to top form late on in the season and had his first England call up Dean Whitehead - 8 - Was poor for the first half of the season but, once he;d settled into the side, was outstanding from December to March. Form dipped a little after that but he was still the best central midfielder at the club by a mile. Hopefully he can find out how to finish as he gets in some great positions Tuncay - 7 - Didn't start a league game until December but then had a long run of starts. Showed glimpses of the skill he obviously possesses but next season, is a big one for the Turkish captain. Danny Collins - 5 - Had a couple of good games but was caught out way too often throughout the season. After his best run, during the second half of the season, he had an absolutely awful game away at Chelsea and was subsequently dropped. May be off in the summer Rory Delap - 7 - Throw ins remained a mystery to opposition defences and produced plenty of goals for the Potters, especially in the FA Cup where he set up goals in all four games from his long throws. Put himself about the pitch and did the dirty work well although he looks like a fish out of water when he's out on the wing Abdoulaye Faye - 6 - Struggled for form and fitness throughout season. Occasional top notch performances but had to come off injured way too many times and looked slow and unfit all year. Big summer for big man Matthew Etherington - 9(Player of the Season) - Absolutely brilliant. Was average at the start of the season but hit a good goal in the Carling Cup win against Blackpool and seemed to be a new man. Suddenly had his head up and was looking to beat his man and put the ball in from good areas. The goals, assists and awards flowed and he was on the verge of an England call up before a knee injury put him out for a month. Andy Wilkinson - 7 - Tigerish defender hardly put a foot wrong all season, despite coming in and out of the team all season. Was strong in the tackle and developed a more attacking threat this season. Bombed forward at every opportunity this year and produced some great crosses but that first goal still eludes him although he has gone close a few times aswell. Thomas Sorensen - 8 - Early in the season whilst the team was gelling the keeper was top notch and won the Potters numerous points with some fantastic saves. Reacted well to the new challenge of Asmir Begovic by picking up his form and keeping the Bosnian away from the first XI. Dislocated elbow away at Chelsea ended his season prematurely and faces a race to be fit for the World Cup and then reclaim his keepers jersey in August. (minimum 5 appearances)
