Axel Tuanzebe has given Stoke City more security in terms of quality and quantity says his central defensive partner Ben Wilmot.

Tuanzebe hadn’t started a league game since November 2021 and was still recovering from a major back injury when Stoke moved to bring him in on loan from Manchester United in the final few minutes of the January transfer window.

The 25-year-old had to be patient as he found his fitness but has now made four starts and a sub appearance and is holding down a shirt under Alex Neil, proving his fitness and his calibre in the Championship.

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Wilmot said: “He’s been really good, settled in really quickly and it’s given us lads a bit more security in terms of numbers at the back, where were light. We always felt we were one or two injuries away from being really short. It’s relieved the pressure a little bit and allowed us to rotate. Axel has come in and played well. I enjoy playing with him.

“We have conceded a few disappointing goals this season, especially early on in games, which has made it harder for ourselves but I think on the whole we’ve been pretty good in terms of the amount of goals we’ve conceded.

“The last handful of games it’s felt very solid. We’ve felt in the game and then we can give it to the lads up front to go and make something happen for us. That’s good.”

He added: “You can say that because I think the last four games against really good opposition we’re unbeaten, we’ve scored a lot of goals and haven’t conceded many. It’s a shame in that respect but it’s a good time for a few people who’ve got lots of minutes in their legs and gives us a good chance to have a break and rest and recover for the last eight games.”

Stoke also have Phil Jagielka and Connor Taylor in the central defensive department while Morgan Fox has also been used there this season, particularly on the left of a back three.

It remains to be seen what happens next because Wilmot and prospect Taylor, who hasn’t played a league game since September, are the only ones out of contract after June.

Man Utd are believed to have an option to extend Tuanzebe’s deal at Old Trafford but he hasn’t played for his parent club in two years.

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