Xherdan Shaqiri compares Stoke City new boy Gianelli Imbula to Patrick Vieira

Stoke City winger Xherdan Shaqiri has compared new teammate Gianelli Imbula to Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira.

The Frenchman, who signed from Porto for a club-record £18.3m last month, scored in his second Premier League appearance at the weekend.

Imbula netted the opening goal in Saturday's 3-1 triumph over Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.

"Gianelli is a young guy, he has a lot to learn but he is a top player," Shaqiri told reporters. "You can compare him to Patrick Vieira, only Gianelli is all left-footed.

"He has that ability to play secure passes all match and that is so important in a midfielder. He has an unbelievably good technique and plays that key pass between the lines.

"There is always a little pressure when you move for big money but he is only going to improve here. He makes us better."

Saturday's result marked the end of a four-game league run without a goal for Stoke.