Can Bojan Krkic revive his career in the Premier League?

Bojan was regarded as a hos prospect at Barcelona, but is now looking to get his career back on track

When he was 17-years of age Bojan Krkic had the football world at his feet.

Described by many as the ‘next Lionel Messi’, the La Masia graduate was expected to have a bright future at Barcelona.

However, in the preceding years Bojan has struggled to live with his tag of wonderkid.

Stoke

Bojan has recently completed a move to Premier League Stoke for a reported fee of around £3million, which by Premier League standards could be an absolute steal.

However, he could equally turn out to be a flop at the Britannia Stadium.

Unimpressive

Bojan left Barcelona in search of regular first team football and a chance to fulfil his potential. It would not be unfair to proclaim his spells at AC Milan, Roma and Ajax as failed attempts at getting his career of the ground.

Bojan scored just four goals in the Eredivisie in 24 appearances for Ajax last season. Previously he scored three goals in 19 games for Italian giants AC Milan and seven goals for Roma in 33 appearances.

The stats maybe slightly misleading as a lot of those appearances have come from the bench, but nevertheless he has failed to live up to his potential.

Opportunity

Having failed to make it in Serie A and Eredivisie, Bojan now has an opportunity to prove his ability in the English top-flight. It may seem like an unlikely place for the youngster to re-ignite his career, considering the physical nature of the English top-flight and Bojan’s slight build. Who knows maybe it will prove to be an ideal move.

Mental

Although Bojan is regarded as a skilful, pacey attacker, it seems that he has struggled with the expectations surrounding him. Being labelled the next Lionel Messi would be difficult for anybody to live-up to, but Bojan seems to struggle with the mental aspect of the game.

He once pulled out of the Spain squad because he reportedly had a panic attack and he also pulled out of the Spain squad for Euro 2008 due to mental exhaustion. It sounds like his mental state has held his career back.

The 23-year-old now needs a manager who will show complete faith and confidence in him, because if ever there was a player that needed confidence it is Bojan Krkic. If he can find the right manager, then maybe he can fulfil some of that previously thought of potential.

Potters boss Mark Hughes was an outstanding striker in his playing days and may just be the right man to give Bojan the confidence he needs. Although there will be expectations of Bojan at Stoke, there unlikely to be anything like he experienced at Barcelona or AC Milan.

He will have the chance to revive his career, without the same level of scrutiny that he has had to endure at some his other clubs.

Win-win

Stoke signing Bojan Krkic is a win-win situation for the Potters. The once-capped Spanish international striker does have a lot potential, if he can get his head straight and is managed in the correct manner.

If he starts to fulfil his potential then Stoke will profit on the pitch and if he continues to develop then the Potters will likely be able to sell the youngster on for a big profit in future years. The fee of £3million is a very small one for a player who still has a lot of potential, despite his disappointing career so far.

Bojan has plenty to offer the Potters. He does have skill, pace and trickery. The former-Barcelona star is also versatile, being able to play as a central striker and on both wings, which is a useful asset for the club from the Potteries.

Unlikely Combination

Stoke and Bojan Krkic seems like an unlikely combination, but it could prove to be a great move for both. Bojan needed a club where he will play regular first team football and is important.

Stoke have got a player with a lot of promise, who needs love and the right manager. Only time will tell if the move works out. However, I hope for the youngster’s sake that he does get his career back on track, as talent is a terrible thing to waste.

Can Bojan Krkic revive his career in the Premier League?