John Stones

Status
Not open for further replies.
Looks like we're signing Gundogan, a very Xavi-esque player, I think Stones could do a great job in the Busquets role before moving to CB later down the road.

---------------------Stones
Leftback----Laporte---Kompany---Denayer

With Mangala or Otamendi also in the squad we'd have plenty of cover in CB if Kompany ends up hardly being fit.

We could also play 3 at the back without much issue
 
Bill said:
good. get him and laporte and we are sorted.
Click to expand...

Agreed, both suited to playing football, both very good defenders on their day. Two of the best defenders under the age of 21, only Marquinhos and Denayer could possibly rival them and one of them is ours as well, they just need consistency which Pep will drill into them. Although I do think Laporte should be top priority at the back.
 
Spoke with his dad last week who says is son is keen on the move


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Is Denayer classed as homegrown? I know he's not the same type of 'ball playing' centre back as Stones but he looks like a great prospect, as does Humphreys. Admittedly I don't know what scouts look for in a player, but when I've watched Stones he hasn't impressed me enough to think he is worth £40m, I would prefer to promote from within.

Also, anyone slating Delph in relation to the 'English premium'? He was worth the money just for the interview where he claimed that he sees ghosts!
 
I've had my complaints about him this season. However I think he is the perfect signing for pep. He's had his German prodigy Kimmich at Bayern who he has taken under his wing and I imagine Stones would be his English project as well as Sterling. I'd expect these two would receive that special extra attention from him.

All you ever hear in the press is "if he had the right guidance he will be world class". Well pep is that right guidance and he will endear himself to the English press if he can sort this lad out.
 
JustAnotherCityFan said:
I've had my complaints about him this season. However I think he is the perfect signing for pep. He's had his German prodigy Kimmich at Bayern who he has taken under his wing and I imagine Stones would be his English project as well as Sterling. I'd expect these two would receive that special extra attention from him.

All you ever hear in the press is "if he had the right guidance he will be world class". Well pep is that right guidance and he will endear himself to the English press if he can sort this lad out.
Click to expand...
You could well be right about Peps projects.Sterling really needs guidance if he's going to fulfil the potential he's definitely got but hasn't been unlocked yet.
If Stones does come it may well signal time up for Kompany,I'm surprised more people haven't commented about the repetitive injuries cos there must be serious doubts about his long term career.Its painful to watch him break down so often with the same injuries.
Ota and Mangala seem to be developing a decent understanding as well so we're not in a desperate situation if Kompanies time is up.
 
i think it's becoming a bit of a myth that he cannot defend.

he has has an average last few months but before that he had some wonderful defensive displays.
 
tolmie's hairdoo said:
The myth started when we were first linked.

Better get used to his 'shit' defending at the Etihad.

What a player this kid will become under Pep.
Click to expand...
So if we get Laporte and Stones as well as bringing Denayer back would you say that's our main 3 CBs looking forward to the future?
That would leave us with 3 (think it's a given that Demichelis is gone) experienced players who you'd think at least one will be let go. When you think we're desperate for new full backs and there's a chance Hart will come under pressure we could be seeing a completely revamped back line next year.
Not before too long as well, though there must be some worry about us clicking straight away.
 
Pablo1 said:
So if we get Laporte and Stones as well as bringing Denayer back would you say that's our main 3 CBs looking forward to the future?
That would leave us with 3 (think it's a given that Demichelis is gone) experienced players who you'd think at least one will be let go. When you think we're desperate for new full backs and there's a chance Hart will come under pressure we could be seeing a completely revamped back line next year.
Not before too long as well, though there must be some worry about us clicking straight away.
Click to expand...

Probably. Looking it as taking a step back, to take two forward.

It's the fundamental cohesion which needs addressing. From front to back, starting with a goalkeeper who can pass out.

I suppose there are options for a three at the back, although those three you mention aren't outright speed demons. I do think they can be made to look even better with the right midfield mix, and a couple of proper full-backs.

It showed last night that without a Nasri or Silva, we are one man short with another link in the top end of the midfield, even isolating KDB.

Gundogan solves a big part of this, although the next addition is crucial to this area. Pogba or Isco, but someone with huge physicality or a high-intensity workrate, in and out of possession. Nasri is the back-up to that, in terms of squad depth IMO - same goes for Fernandinho.
 
tolmie's hairdoo said:
The myth started when we were first linked.

Better get used to his 'shit' defending at the Etihad.

What a player this kid will become under Pep.
Click to expand...
Like Sterling?
I hope Pep lives up to these expectations. Personally I think we are making a big mistake by investing big in English players. Will we ever learn?
 
TonyM said:
Like Sterling?
I hope Pep lives up to these expectations. Personally I think we are making a big mistake by investing big in English players. Will we ever learn?
Click to expand...

Would you pay £50m for Ali, after less than a year of doing anything?

I suspect every club in the Premier League would, given half the chance.

We have quotas to fill, so you do what is right by paying to get the best of those.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Unread Posts

Don't have an account? Register now and see fewer ads!

SIGN UP
Back
Top