The Stoke City goalkeeper Asmir Begovic has said that he would not swap any other central defensive partnership in favour of the Stoke City central defenders Robert Huth and Ryan Shawcross. The two players cost just a combined £ 6 million for the club, but they have been hugely impressive this season as they have helped Stoke City climb up to the eighth position in the table. Even though they have been unable to get a lot of victories under their belt, defensively they have been extremely solid. The goalkeeper Asmir Begovic has praised the performances of the two players for this good defensive record they have enjoyed this season.

Stoke City have the best defensive record in the division after having conceded just 12 goals in the opening 16 matches. Their defensive performance has been even better than the Premier league champions Manchester City. Ryan Shawcross was signed for just £ 1 million from Manchester United, Robert Huth was a £ 5 million signing from Middlesbrough. Shawcross has been recently spoken of as the replacement for John Terry at the England national team, while Robert Huth’s performances have also not gone unnoticed within the German international team. Begovic reckons that it will be only a matter of time before the two players become regular internationals.

“I wouldn’t swap our two centre-backs for anyone else in the country. They look so solid as a partnership and have a great understanding. Ryan made his England debut last month and has the class to become a regular. The more appearances he makes for England, the more comfortable he’ll feel,” said Asmir Begovic. One of the reasons for Stoke City not being in higher positions than the eighth place is the inability to score goals. They have scored just 14 goals in the 16 matches this season.