5 | John Stones - 2022/23

[Withnail]

It was a bit naïve the way he gave the opposition player the opportunity to manoeuvre/position himself to make Stones look like he had committed the foul.

But overall,he did look what he was......very rusty.

Agreed, Stones is an excellent cb but his lack of pre-season/game time clearly showed yesterday.

 

[Keeper!]

I find it totally amazing that in 2018 John Stones and Harry Maguire were an excellent defensive pairing for England.
In 2022 both are ……shite.
What’s gone so badly wrong for this pair…..apart from one being at the Rags??

Stones had a great last season, yesterday was his first game, why the hell are you comparing him to the lump that is Maguire?

 

[dave_blue12]

Looked rusty but improved as the game went on.

 

[Akira]

Didn't get a pre-season and barely got starts for awhile, I wouldn't be too harsh on the lad.

 

[oakiecokie]

Didn't get a pre-season and barely got starts for awhile, I wouldn't be too harsh on the lad.

And whose fault was that ??

 

[Deleted member 77198]

Did alright considering this was his first game of the season. Good to get minutes into his legs.

 

[Cheadle_hulmeBlue]

I thought he played well. He looked a bit rusty, but that’s to be expected.

He also had no cover at all with Walker struggling all game

 

[richards30]

seemed strange for this to be the game that Pep decides to start him? Especially not alongside Ruben as both Stones & Ake arent what you would call leaders? They both flourish alongside Ruben as he leads from the front, organises etc.

 

[Txiki Txiki Bang Bang]

Very poor yesterday, still the start of the season but he has to hit the ground running or risk being the next "recipient" of Pep's wrath. The man has very little patience for slackers.

 

[Cheadle_hulmeBlue]

An absolute shocker with and without the ball
Often seems to lose his head in hostile atmospheres

A few years ago I’d agree with that. I wouldn’t call it a shocker, I think that’s a an exaggeration/ overreaction.

He looked rusty after not playing at all.