#5 | John Stones - 2020/21 Performances

[mdj0520]

I wonder whether Pep is slightly concerned about his injury troubles in the past and is keen not to overplay him when he’s in such a rich vein of form.

Had presumed all 3 CBs would be rotated once Laporte was back but it seems to have been Dias + 1 other since then. IMO he has outperformed Dias in the last few games (only by a very fine margin - Dias has still been absolutely phenomenal but Stones has looked so assured and imperious recently).

That's the only reason I can think that he alternates games at the moment. The form he's in he should be the first choice centrehalf, but his injury record had been a big problem for him, so maybe one game a week is the wise option. Especially as the alternative is laporte... We're spoilt.

 

[Manchester_lalala]

Strong, intelligent, can pass a ball and he’s turned into a goal threat. Thank fuck we didn’t let him go to Arsenal last year.

 

[FantasyIreland]

I am glad we have kept Stones and he has taken the opportunity to restake a claim in the side.

A claim?

He is probably the best centre half in the league,presently.He should also be wearing the armband IMO.

 

[Dadsupportedthem]

Stones has been fantastic. Let's hope he can continue to keep his in game concentration when the stadiums are full again.

 

[Deleted member 77198]

The best centre back at the club

This season he’s been the best centre back in the world.

 

[Tricky_Trev]

I used to think Dias was the one holding it together. I’m not sure it is any more, it’s John.

 

[Phil1]

Really, really happy for him. I backed him all throughout the summer when the clamour to sell him was at its highest point and always remained confident that his on field issues were mainly linked to his off field issues.
This version of Stones could quite easily stake a claim as one of the top 5 CBs in the world over the next couple of years and the great thing is we have two more alongside him who make that list.

 

[Blu1]

So many shouts for player of the season with Gundy, foden, Bernie, Mahrez, Diaz but stones up there for me. Incredible season & looks like our leader right now

 

[BlueTG]

A claim?

He is probably the best centre half in the league,presently.He should also be wearing the armband IMO.

One step at a time. He looked shot as a top level player and being gently ushered towards the exit door by most on here (and at City if true we were to offload him to Arsenal). He needs this season to carry on doing as brilliantly as he is, not to overthink something else and potentially end up overthinking his role as captain or a bad game (if/when it comes) as captain leading by example.

 

[FantasyIreland]

One step at a time. He looked shot as a top level player and being gently ushered towards the exit door by most on here (and at City if true we were to offload him to Arsenal). He needs this season to carry on doing as brilliantly as he is, not to overthink something else and potentially end up overthinking his role as captain or a bad game (if/when it comes) as captain leading by example.

I understand your thinking but thats also a part of mine.....he's been to those dark places,so he knows what it takes to recover and reclaim (beyond any expectation) and he's shown incredible mental strength to do that.I believe,along with his clear leadership abilities on the pitch,that package deserves the Captaincy.

If he didn't want it,as he fears its not for him,thats a different story and fair enough,but id love Pep to ask him.