5 | John Stones - 2022/23

[Shaffer92]

I don't think Walker will be playing much down the stretch. Stones is more comfortable on the ball and can obviously do a job defending when needed.

 

[FantasyIreland]

Fair play,and while it wasn't the sternest of tests,he performed an unfamiliar role to perfection.

If he wasn't made of glass,he'd be talked about as amongst the very best in the business.

 

[oldius]

Fair play,and while it wasn't the sternest of tests,he performed an unfamiliar role to perfection.

If he wasn't made of glass,he'd be talked about as amongst the very best in the business.

I think you have this spot on. For me, he is one of the world's great centre-backs, but I have always found that he stifles the creativity of the team a little when he plays RB. Last night was a superb performance by him, but tougher challenges await.

 

[Akira]

Long gone were the days we'd see Stones in the lineup and worry. Now I'd worry when I don't see Stones in the lineup. Really incredible turnaround.

And yes, for me he's one of the best centre-backs in the world right now. Underrated by the media, not sure why, normally it's the opposite for English players.

 

[richards30]

hang on, in the pre match thread many posters stated Stones was shit in the position he was put in last night?!!

 

[Kamaro011]

Long gone were the days we'd see Stones in the lineup and worry. Now I'd worry when I don't see Stones in the lineup. Really incredible turnaround.

And yes, for me he's one of the best centre-backs in the world right now. Underrated by the media, not sure why, normally it's the opposite for English players.

He play for us, imagine he plays for one of red scums. He will be hailed as a fucking hero of the nation by the usual media suspect.

 

[WallyA]

hang on, in the pre match thread many posters stated Stones was shit in the position he was put in last night?!!

Hard to make that claim without him being tried there enough.

That being said, hard to blame posters for doubting it'd work considering how difficult it can be for a defender to play in midfield (it's alot easier the other way around).

Now Stones did it perfectly yesterday, but I also think Leipzig were hardly a challenge, I'm curious if he can keep it up.

I have no problem if Stones and Lewis pretty much just rotate there.

 

[Big-P]

Love the bloke, and he loves us. One of them players that has a connection with the fans and vice verca. Cult hero status in my opinion and I think he will be here until he retires (or there abouts)

 

[_ _ _]

My favourite City player, and I feel like his best is yet to come; his understanding of the game is improving with age.

 

[Gundogan's Moustache]

Love the bloke, and he loves us. One of them players that has a connection with the fans and vice verca. Cult hero status in my opinion and I think he will be here until he retires (or there abouts)

Was halfway to Arsenal a few years back, we all know how good Laporte can be but feel the attitude separates them

 

[skillman]

Honestly he'd me the first defender on the team sheet if I was manager. He exudes confidence and has proven himself over the past few years to be reliable too. Brilliant defender and is there a better sight than watching him on the ball?

Genuinely love the bloke. Was desperate to get him when he was playing for Everton and was buzzing when we did.

He and Dias should be set in stone in the run-in (coming from a guy who likes Akanji too) but I wouldn't be too against a back four of Stones-Akanji-Dias-Ake to give us that stability. There's a mixture of pace, strength, aggression and all with brilliant attitudes across the whole line. Plus it'd give the midfield and forward players freedom IMO - just look at Tuesday night (and even last Saturday, we had enough chances to win 4/5-0!)

 

[_ _ _]

Honestly he'd me the first defender on the team sheet if I was manager. He exudes confidence and has proven himself over the past few years to be reliable too. Brilliant defender and is there a better sight than watching him on the ball?

Genuinely love the bloke. Was desperate to get him when he was playing for Everton and was buzzing when we did.

He and Dias should be set in stone in the run-in (coming from a guy who likes Akanji too) but I wouldn't be too against a back four of Stones-Akanji-Dias-Ake to give us that stability. There's a mixture of pace, strength, aggression and all with brilliant attitudes across the whole line. Plus it'd give the midfield and forward players freedom IMO - just look at Tuesday night (and even last Saturday, we had enough chances to win 4/5-0!)

I’d like to see Lewis-Stones-Dias-Ake, but with Lewis given licence to attack conventionally, but the manager clearly thinks Rodri needs someone next to him to neutralise his lack of mobility.

 

[freshie]

 

[Withnail]

Rolls Royce of a player and did a very good job in the inverted fb role on Tuesday. Just a shame he is so injury prone.

 

[Eccles Blue]

hang on, in the pre match thread many posters stated Stones was shit in the position he was put in last night?!!

And now they know different and I hope they are eating their words. I wouldn’t mind betting that John Boy could play in any position, including goal keeper, and do a fantastic job. :-)

 

[Nethermoor]

Stones could probably play as a CDM very well.

 

[kaz7]

I’d like to see Lewis-Stones-Dias-Ake, but with Lewis given licence to attack conventionally, but the manager clearly thinks Rodri needs someone next to him to neutralise his lack of mobility.

Rodri does not have a lack of mobility , strange idea

 

[iTyler]

Best centre-back in our team and one of the very best in Europe. If he was a yard quicker you would be talking about one of the best of his generation.

 

[Haaland94]

It needs to be him and Ruben whenever the two are fit, with no exceptions. There are no more games we can afford to draw/lose.

 

[brazilians hurt]

Anyone know why Stones & Mancini were in discussions about during the Shaw sending off?