5 | John Stones - 2022/23

[Gundogan's Moustache]

Unbelievable footballer.

So glad he's fulfilled his potential and become one of the best in the world, even better he loves being here as much as he does

 

[Lauz9888]

We’ve been doing it all season so I’m assuming quite a while but maybe Pep has been scared about Stones’ pace to make up any turnover?

But then Walker struggled with that away at Newcastle from memory so if pace isn’t a massive deal in this role then you may as well choose the player most comfortable doing the passing and moving.

And honestly, I doubt there’s another centre back in world football who is as accomplished and suited to this role as Stones is. Phenomenal player and one of the first names on the team sheet.

There were times yesterday when slotting back into defence he just moved back into the CB position and Akanji temporarily pushed out to right back.

That reduces the need for the inverted full back to have lightning pace, because he doesn't have to travel so far in those quick transitions.

 

[Claytop]

One of the best defensive players in the world when he’s fit. He won’t get the credit due to playing for us but there’s not many better.

 

[bobbyowenquiff]

It’s like that inverted role is tailor-made for him. Christ on a bike.

Stones is like Philip Lahm when Pep pushed him forward. And for me Lahm is one of the best players of all time. Stones doesn't get the credit he deserves at club or international level.

 

[domalino]

If we beat Bayern or Real with Stones playing that role I think the worldwide recognition will come.

 

[Charlesfarsbar]

This is world class midfield play.

Wonderful , wonderful goal that

was like that the whole second half , we were toying with them

 

[Keeper!]

Majestic performance.

 

[bluenova]

This is world class midfield play.

I've been so impressed with him recently.

I remember when he was first tried in midfield, as the main holding player, and I was unimpressed, as it's a different skillset. Rodri is so good at shielding the ball, happy to receive possession under the most intent pressure, and not worry about having to move it on straight away, something that defenders just don't do.

What's so impressive with Stones now, is that he's playing without needing to do that - he's so good at reading the situation, being in the right space, receiving the ball on his back foot, and knowing exactly what he's going to do with it before it reaches him.

It's doesn't just help with controlling the midfield, it really speeds up the way we move the ball, and causes teams so many problems.

 

[super_city_si]

watching him and rodri float around in perfect synchronicity was beautiful. We were back to moving the ball with purpose. You could see it forming in the palace game and it went to another level yesterday.
it creates so much space for gundo and kev to do damage. I was in awe.

 

[wolviedinho]

watching him and rodri float around in perfect synchronicity was beautiful. We were back to moving the ball with purpose. You could see it forming in the palace game and it went to another level yesterday.
it creates so much space for gundo and kev to do damage. I was in awe.

Yea I hope this is something pep deploys going forward. The more stones is used in that role the more consistent he will become. Looks like moving Cancelo on has allowed us to function as a more dynamic functioning unit in both attack and defence. Pep loves a double pivot and it allows Gundo to play further forward.

No fucking about now boss. He has once again found a balance to accommodate Haaland and allow other players such as Gundo to play in a more natural position.