#5 | John Stones - 2020/21 Performances

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I don't really like discussing whether a player is world class or not, I think it generally lacks nuance and often people have too differing definitions on what world class is and isn't.

What I (and many others) would say, is Stones is definitely playing at a very high level that any team in the world would be happy with.
 
One thing very noticeable about John the last year is just how unnoticeable he can be. Its becoming clear to me at least - City and England are very rarely troubled on his side of the defence. That’s partly due to Kyle but also with John too and his positioning & game intelligence. He generally doesn’t have to make last ditch challenges (cue Maldini quote). That’s not quite true on Maguire/Dias’ side and why they may get the plaudits, but for me Stones has been the better performer in both teams.
 
After the season he has had can you imagine if it all comes down to Stones vs Laporte on a set piece to decide the Final.
 
i♥city said:
Mangala had a great season at Porto before signing with us, would you have referred to Mangala as world class back then?
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No because it was at Porto. If everyone who looks good in Liga NOS is world class then I've got some good news for Nuno Esperito Santo.

And nobody starts trembling at the names of any defenders. He's not fucking Beetlejuice.
 
A lot of varying factors decide whether a player is world class or not, and for me if John Stones reproduces last season or better this coming season then I truly believe he should be considered ‘World Class’, showing consistency over a number of years is the key. People where talking Ballon d’or for Ruben should we of won the CL which I find incredible, I’m more than sure having JS next to him allowed him to settle quickly & play his best football and he would be the first to credit him for that. If England win the Euros then that’s another tick, and had we won the CL he could’ve ended the season with 4 winners medals (ifs & butts I know) & still gone under the radar, which I feel is the best place for him to be, let others take the plaudits
 
Wouldn’t say he was world class but had a great season but will always be crucified for any mistakes.
 
worsleyweb said:
Wouldn’t say he was world class but had a great season but will always be crucified for any mistakes.
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I think he gets in any 11 in the Prem,and id say he very much does the same in this Euro tournament.
How many centre backs would you choose ahead of him? I think the answer suggests he is world class.

I agree about mistakes,it's something that's exaggerated but unfortunately,and unfairly,will probably always haunt his career.
 
worsleyweb said:
Wouldn’t say he was world class but had a great season but will always be crucified for any mistakes.
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Would agree in the normal term of world class but there is such a lack of world class centre half’s at this moment in time that he has a right be labelled as that by default.
 
Screw "world class" - let's just say this.

Of all the center backs in the world that I'd want to start for City - 2 of my top 3 choices are starting.

Along these lines - Laporte - who last season would have ranked very highly - has - I think temporarily - experienced a dip in form - as he comes off injury.

Laporte, Stones and Dias will all want to start on a regular basis. Can we not move to a back three - at least every so often - to accommodate this, and to retain all 3 players? Yes, a back 3 is often seen as a defensive setup - but maybe the middle of the 3 pushes forward always... a false CB? - who knows...

At any rate, I'd like for us to retain Laporte next season - Laporte is class and should he leave our side - we'll likely be weakened as a team - as we're unlikely to replace him with a player of similar quality.
 
Stones and for that matter Maguire are doing well. England, as I've previously stated, must reach the finals, or something is horribly amiss - they've had a red carpet free reign having survived the knockouts - and yes, England did face Germany... but come on... Germany are crap on defense and iffy on offense.

England v. Germany - England for sure to advance - and they did.
 
mccity said:
Unfortunately for Stones he has a really 'quiet' style of play, so he doesn't tend to get the plaudits he warrants.


But it's another impressive performance.
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Same again.



One moment that was standout was how he didn't dive in after Walker played that short pass early on. Stones kept his cool and kept his positioning smart, so when the shot went off it was easy for Pickford.
 
I'm bold enough to say John stones is world fucking class and has been absolutely mammoth since august 2020 (consistently.. He was also good before)
 
mccity said:
Same again.



One moment that was standout was how he didn't dive in after Walker played that short pass early on. Stones kept his cool and kept his positioning smart, so when the shot went off it was easy for Pickford.
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I noticed too. Nothing heroic, just great defending. Force him wide, keep him on his weaker foot
 
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