I think a lot of the comments here are quite harsh on Stones. i.e, Pep doesnt trust him, he's lost form, not first choice, etc etc. Is all that because Pep chose to plav VK in the last 5 games of the season? At which point he must have known vinnie's decision to leave, and gave him the send-off he deserves? So many i know were surprised and anxious every one of those 5 games VK started, and openly argued it should be Stones. Including myself for a few of those (particularly consecutive) games. Up until then however, Stones was first choice with Laporte and did really well, more or less all season and the last one too (partnering Ota a good chunk of it).
Ok i know he makes a big error every now and then, but which of our defenders don't? Even VK has a howler in him, and his timing with tackling is so often a bawhair away from a straight red. Ditto Nico. Laporte looks the most composed, but he makes mistakes too (i.e CL spurs at home). I myself can't see Maguire being first choice over Stones if we did go on to sign him. And i wouldn't say there is any problem with his form, quality or attitude.
