Pulis sees Walters growing into role of top-flight striker
The 27-year-old former Ipswich striker scored an excellent individual goal in the 1-1 draw against champions Chelsea on Saturday.
“Jon’s come from the Championship and sometimes it takes time to have the confidence and the belief to make the step up,’’ Pulis said. “He had an up-and-down start but he’s been fantastic for us.”
Walters joined Stoke in August and has scored nine goals for the Potters this season.
“He’s certainly my type of player,” added Pulis. “He gives everything, he never stops and whatever you’ve paid him, you know he’s earned it.”
Midfielder Glenn Whelan heaped more praise on his Ireland team-mate: “He’s been a class signing for us. In the last two months he’s come on leaps and bounds and he’s given defenders an awful time.
“He’s done that against two defenders [John Terry and David Luiz] who are probably in the best three in the world.”
Whelan believes Stoke should count themselves unlucky they were not able to claim all three points against Chelsea.
Stoke created more chances during the game but were unable to grab the killer second that would have secured a memorable win against the defending champions.
Pulis’ team currently occupy 10th place and have 38 points but Whelan wants them to reach the 40-point mark as soon as possible.
“Chelsea put us under a lot of pressure but if you look at the second half we had more chances and were unlucky not to get three points,’’ he said.
“We’ve got 38 points now but we’ll try to get as many as we can and take each game as it comes.’’
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