Daniel Malone is a technically brilliant defensive midfielder produced by the Stoke City academy after joining at a young age.

Malone, often referred to by his teammates as ‘Bugsy’, was promoted to the club’s Under-18s set-up in the summer of 2018 at the age of 16 and would make his debut for Richard Walker’s side against Everton in September of that year.

The Welsh midfielder eventually made his debut for Kevin Russell’s Under-21s side a few months later when they drew 2-2 with Norwich City in March 2019.

Malone has also featured for his national team at Under-21s level, making his debut in a 2-0 loss to Austria during an international friendly in September 2022.

Shortly before his international youth debut for Wales, Malone joined non-league outfit Altrincham on loan until January 2023.

The Welshman is superb on the ball, possessing the ability to keep it when put under pressure by opposition players. Malone is also more than capable off the ball and is adept at making tackles to break up his opposite number’s attacks.