5 | John Stones - 2024/25

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mattcity5 said:
After winning our first PL title, the most PL matches Kompany played in a season was 28. He's got a statue.

Just because someone isn't playing every game doesn't necessarily mean they aren't crucially important.

When we were heading for the treble, we had a few injuries and had started playing Stones pushing into midfield. I remember thinking that for that successful plan to continue, we desperately needed at least 2 of Dias, Stones and Rodri to play every game. I think they managed it. We could manage with 2 of them, but if 2 became injured I'm sure the season would have fallen apart.


Ps. You're figures are slightly out, Stones played 27 PL games one season for us.
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Didn't argue Stones wasn't important. Ake has been important too. The original post I replied to compared Stones to Rodri and suggested he might have been even more important. That's the context of the discussion. Rodri arrived 3 years after Stones and has played more games. Anyone thinking they are comparable in importance is putting his head in the sand. People are free to prefer some players more than other players, but let's be a bit more objective. For what it's worth, the original post was seeking controversy, shouldn't have replied to it.

Stones is a great player and a nice human being. Shame injuries haven't allowed him to establish himself even more.
 
mattcity5 said:
I think in the past he'd have started Stones and then took him off maybe at halftime to rest him for Weds. However, the way we've been finishing matches I think he probably wanted at least one experienced and calm head on the pitch at the end, rather than bringing a debutant on to try and see out the game.
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Exactly. In Pep I trust. In John Boy I trust. ;-)
 
Psychedelic Casual said:
Utter top top class performance when he came on. I fucking love the man!

Just hope he can stay fit. Surely, he’s due a break with his injuries and can get a good run now this season, surely?!
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That would be fantastic both for him and us. Everbody will be rooting for him (I think!). If not, though, decisions may have to be made.
 
alexmcity said:
Didn't argue Stones wasn't important. Ake has been important too. The original post I replied to compared Stones to Rodri and suggested he might have been even more important. That's the context of the discussion. Rodri arrived 3 years after Stones and has played more games. Anyone thinking they are comparable in importance is putting his head in the sand. People are free to prefer some players more than other players, but let's be a bit more objective. For what it's worth, the original post was seeking controversy, shouldn't have replied to it.

Stones is a great player and a nice human being. Shame injuries haven't allowed him to establish himself even more.
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Injuries are the only reason he's not mentioned when it comes to both England's and the PL's best central defenders.

He's been exceptional but just hasn't managed to put down the number of appearances year on year that would get him the plaudits he deserves.

With what he's won at the club, with what he's helped drive England to and when you look at his ability to play a hybrid role and perform it to outstanding levels not in run of the mill games but in major finals you can see just how special he is. Big goals, big clearances and all done with that cheeky smile and humility he has.

He's never been chosen nor put his hand up for the captaincy but you can tell he lets his performances do his talking. Considering the early promise and then the extensive criticism he got when he first arrived, it's safe to say he's had an excellent career and I hope he can stay fit and extend it with us.
 
supercity88 said:
Injuries are the only reason he's not mentioned when it comes to both England's and the PL's best central defenders.

He's been exceptional but just hasn't managed to put down the number of appearances year on year that would get him the plaudits he deserves.

With what he's won at the club, with what he's helped drive England to and when you look at his ability to play a hybrid role and perform it to outstanding levels not in run of the mill games but in major finals you can see just how special he is. Big goals, big clearances and all done with that cheeky smile and humility he has.

He's never been chosen nor put his hand up for the captaincy but you can tell he lets his performances do his talking. Considering the early promise and then the extensive criticism he got when he first arrived, it's safe to say he's had an excellent career and I hope he can stay fit and extend it with us.
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Completely agree.
 
God I love Jonny Boulders.

He's played that little recently that I'd gotten unfamiliar with his composure and it felt like 2016 all over again at some points in the second half.

Not just his ability, but his calmness transmits to the rest of the team. Leader on and off the pitch.

Fuck it, keep him here just for his personality in the dressing room - his mentality is fantastic and can coach the youngsters a ludicrous amount just by being around them everyday.
 
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