Nathan Jones believes Stoke City youngster Thibaud Verlinden has a big future in the game.

The Potters manager admitted to the Stoke Sentinel that he had been pondering the Belgian youth international’s call up for some time, but injuries had halted his rise up the ranks to first-team level.

Verlinden was given his Stoke debut in the league this past weekend in the goalless draw with Reading in which he impressed.

The 19-year-old had played in competitive action for the academy in the Checkatrade Trophy earlier this season, and managed 80 minutes on his full debut in the Championship this past weekend.

Last year he managed one appearance for the Potter in the EFL Cup win over Rochdale but failed to make it to the first-team as Stoke were relegated from the Premier League.

And after a handful of cup tie performances, he was finally handed his league debut in what was a positive display from the young Belgian.

But Is Jones right in his assumption of Verlinden? Will he go on to have a bright future in the game?

We asked our team of FLW writers their thoughts on the matter…

George Harbey

“I completely agree on this one.

“Verlinden really impressed me at the weekend and looked to be a dangerous player who could be of real use to Stoke in the future.

“Jones used a lot of young players at Luton, and it worked well for him, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see him do the same at Stoke.”

Jacob Potter

“He's a promising talent.

“He looked like the main attacking threat for Stoke at the weekend and caused the Reading defence some real problems.

“He'll be keen to build on this impressive showing and could be an exciting player to keep an eye on.”

Gary Hutchinson

“Absolutely.

“He wasn’t signed for fun; he’s got real promise.

“What a debut too.

“There’s a real talent in there if he develops in the right manner.”