Steven Schuamacher explains what Andre Vidigal has to do at Stoke City as he tries to work his way back into being a regular starter.
Andre Vidigal knows he has to show he can produce moments like his two-goal turn at Crewe whenever it comes as he competes for game time at Stoke City.
Vidigal slipped down the pecking order as his debut season in England went on, largely in part to playing in the same position as player of the year Bae Junho.
He still ended up as top scorer – albeit that just six was enough to take that accolade – and he has been lively in pre-season run-outs against Chester, Cork and Crewe, where he came off the bench to turn a 1-0 deficit into a 2-1 win.
Head coach Steven Schumacher said: “Andre is a talented player, he’s got ability. His game time towards the end of the season was quite limited because of who was playing in his position but that can happen in the squad. He has to be patient and wait for his opportunity and when he gets one he has to take it and produce moments like that.
“He was in the right place at the right time here and we’ve been on about the wingers getting into goal scoring positions because we need more goals in the team from everyone. I don’t care who contributes them as long as we get them.”
Vidigal scored an equaliser with his first touch after coming from the bench, pouncing after Lynden Gooch’s cross had been touched onto the post. He got his second with a smart reaction after Mehdi Leris’s drive had been saved. It completed a turnaround after Stoke had trailed in the second minute as Max Sanders’ cross looped in.
Schumacher said: “His second was a great finish especially. I didn’t really have a good view of the first one but he’s in the right place at the right time and he’s got a knack for that. I’m pleased for him and I think the team overall probably deserved to win and I’m made up for our fans that they got to see another victory because winning become a good habit and it’s one we want to keep.”