After their 2-1 win at high-flying Swansea City on Saturday afternoon, Stoke City will be hoping to turn their season around after the Championship international break.

The Potters finally picked up their first elusive win of the campaign at the weekend, showing real character and team spirit to come from behind and nick all three points right at the death, thanks to Scott Hogan's late strike.

There's no getting away from the fact that it has been a dismal start to the season for Potters, who still sit rock bottom of the Sky Bet Championship table, after picking up just five points from their first 11 league games.

Their upcoming fixtures don't get any easier by any means - a home clash with promotion contenders Fulham is next up for Nathan Jones' side, but they will have taken great confidence from their win in South Wales, and will be hopeful of securing back-to-back wins when they face the Cottagers.

Let's not forget either that Stoke's squad on paper is arguably the best in the division in terms of individuals, and whilst some have simply failed to show anything near of what they are capable of this season, there have been some players who have impressed.

Here, we take a look at the top five best Stoke players so far this season...

5) Scott Hogan

Hogan won't have scored as many goals, nor made as many starting appearances as he would have liked for Stoke, since arriving on loan from Aston Villa.

But the Republic of Ireland forward has surely given Jones food for thought after his winning goal against Swansea City last time out, taking his tally up to three goals for the season.

He has looked bright when called upon this season, and will be hopeful of earning a regular starting berth sooner rather than later.

4) Sam Clucas 

Clucas was one of many big-money summer signings that flattered to deceive under Rowett last season, but he has really started to come into his own this term.

The creative midfielder has been an ever-present for the Potters this season, and is joint-top of the goalscoring charts having netted three times this season.

He is a really useful player who can play in various roles in midfield, and he deserves credit for the way he's performed this term.

3) Lee Gregory

He perhaps may not have scored as many goals as he would have wanted, but Gregory has hardly put a foot wrong for Stoke this season.

The former Millwall man has been prolific in the Championship for the Lions before, and although he's only found the net once so far this term, he makes up for it with his work-rate and movement up top.

Jones' formation often sees Gregory start up top on his own, against some of the tallest and most commanding defenders in the Championship.

But as well moving around constantly, Gregory also loves a battle in the air, and he puts himself about so much up top.

The goals will soon come for him if he continues to get in the right places.

2) Peter Etebo

Etebo was arguably Stoke's best player last season, making a real impression on the Potters faithful after arriving from Feirense for £6.35m in the summer.

The Nigerian international has been a regular under Jones, and displays real work-rate and tenaciousness in the middle of the park.

Alongside Badou N'Diaye, the pair add real grit and bite to the midfield, and he works his socks off every week. He's everything you want in a Championship midfielder.

1) Badou N'Diaye

It's tough to choose between Etebo and N'Diaye for top spot, but the latter deserves it for showing real character and determination to get back into the first-team plans at Stoke this season.

The Senegalese midfielder spent last season on loan with Galatasaray after falling out of favour under Gary Rowett, and didn't feature for Stoke under Jones in the first few games of the season this time around.

But he has bounced back incredibly well under the Welshman and hasn't looked back since making his return to the side in the 2-1 loss to Bristol City.

He adds real defensive steel and quality on the ball in the centre of the park, and he suits Jones' diamond system so well.

He will be so important for them this season.

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