Stoke City star explains how World Cup champion has allowed him to thrive under Mark Robins

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Stoke City have enjoyed a great start to the Championship season, as they are currently occupying second in the division.

Mark Robins has seemingly had the desired impact upon the club, as he managed to keep them up on the final day of last season, and not much was expected of them this campaign.

However, the Potters boss demonstrated his intent for the campaign as he sought the signing of World Cup winner and fan favourite Steven N’Zonzi.

The French international re-joined Stoke City this summer, and his signing has seemingly had the desired impact, as one Potters star has opened up about it in an extensive interview.

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Steven N’Zonzi has allowed Lamine Cisse to ‘express’ himself at Stoke City

Lamine Cisse joined Stoke this summer from Bastia in France and has made two appearances for the Potters, with both being cameos as he recovers from a shoulder injury.

The underage French star could not believe that he would be playing with a star of his national team, one that had lifted the World Cup in 2018, and speaking with the club website, Cisse has explained how N’Zonzi has helped the new players in the squad to settle and used his experience for the good of the team.

He said: “When I learned that Steven Nzonzi was going to join the club, it immediately added something extra because he is a great player who has achieved great things, who won the World Cup, and I think he will help me a lot to integrate into the club and help me express myself.

“Already he helps me find my bearings. He helps me with the team. He advised me about nearby towns and where to live based on his past experience.”

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Lamine Cisse joined Stoke City because of their rich history

For the 22-year-old, he would have grown up seeing Stoke City in the Premier League if he was interested in watching the English top flight.

This may have been one of the reasons he opted to join Stoke City, as he spoke about the rich history being behind his move to Staffordshire.

He said: “I am really very happy to join this historic club of Stoke City. It is a step for me; it is a new challenge. It can only bring me positive things, so I will try to learn and adapt. I hope to contribute my part and have a good season.

“When I heard about interest from Stoke City, I did not hesitate. They let me know they were very interested and wanted me, and I immediately appreciated it. It is one of the first clubs that contacted me.

“I’ve seen the matches, and the team has had a very good start to the season. They played very well, they took points, and that only makes me want to play with them and try to help them as much as possible.

“I’m eager to wear the colours of Stoke City, where great players have passed through. It’s exciting, and I’m looking forward to it.”