5 | John Stones - 2022/23

[sir baconface]

At his current level I don’t see a weakness. Good in the air, good on the floor, pacey enough and fantastic on the ball. It’s only his fitness that can hold him back.

Unfortunately, it has held him back.

 

[domalino]

Loved his interview after the game yesterday, very calm and considered. That's ma boy!! :-)

I thought it was interesting that it was him giving that interview. Obviously it was a really big one given all the stuff Pep had said in public about the players and whoever got sent to do the media interviews was going to get asked about it and the response from the players, so for it to be Stones that they put out for it...I think it says a lot.

 

[jimharri]

I think you’ve misremembered the length of time ago that was… 18 months ago, he was in the midst of playing 35 games and banging in the goals on the way to a league title win, an EFL Cup win and a CL final.

It was the period around the time of the CC final against Villa. He made a mistake which led to the Villa goal. And there were plenty around me going "not again", and other similar sentiments. He wasn't Mr Popular among a section of the City fan base at that time.

 

[tolmie's hairdoo]

Hitting his peak years.

Best defender in the country this season and now has an authority to his play.

Always said one of the very best in the world.

 

[CWMCFC]

World class. We're a better team with Stones in it.

Still think the Dias - Stones partnership we saw in 20/21 was the best our defence has looked in years. Just have to get Dias fit and firing again as we enter the business end of the season.

 

[domalino]

He just needs a couple of statement performances in prime time to get the public and media credit he deserves.

 

[kaz7]

He is a new dad now

 

[Brightwell Bros.]

Think our season hinges on him staying fit. Think he's that important to how we play offensively and defensively.

 

[eastmanc]

Hitting his peak years.

Best defender in the country this season and now has an authority to his play.

Always said one of the very best in the world.

He's been magnificent. I've always defended John when fans say he makes too many mistakes. You can name them on one hand for City. He's been brilliant .

 

[eastmanc]

Unfortunately, it has held him back.

He is made of glass.

 

[sir baconface]

He is made of glass.

I’m neither a physician nor a Greek historian but I’d say that is his Achilles Elbow.

 

[Deleted member 77198]

Unfortunately, it has held him back.

I wouldn’t say it has held him back.

He averages 33 games a season in all competitions playing for one of the best football teams in Europe. He’s now bang in his prime and is England’s best centre back, one of the Prem’s best centre backs and one of the best centre backs in the world who is even trusted by one of the best coaches of all-time to play right back and in midfield.

 

[sir baconface]

I wouldn’t say it has held him back.

He averages 33 games a season in all competitions playing for one of the best football teams in Europe. He’s now bang in his prime and is England’s best centre back, one of the Prem’s best centre backs and one of the best centre backs in the world who is even trusted by one of the best coaches of all-time to play right back and in midfield.

That’s a lot fewer games than some. He’s had a few lengthy spells out.

You can’t count on his fitness is what I mean, rather than doubting his ability.

 

[Axel Freed]

That’s a lot fewer games than some. He’s had a few lengthy spells out.

You can’t count on his fitness is what I mean, rather than doubting his ability.

Would be interesting to compare stats on how many games he’s missed season by season. Maybe as he enters his late 20s and gets his full on man strength he’ll be less susceptible to injuries. Let’s hope so because on form and fit he’s arguably the best centre half in the league

 

[shaunsrobot]

He is made of glass.

If he is made of glass, as you so smugly argue, then riddle me this good sir, why on earth would his last name be Stones?

 

[sir baconface]

If he is made of glass, as you so smugly argue, then riddle me this good sir, why on earth would his last name be Stones?

Stefan Kuntz dislikes this post.

 

[FantasyIreland]

He is the first defender on the team sheet for me,his presence has become incredibly reassuring.

Just needs a fully fit Dias next to him.

 

[Nethermoor]

He is the first defender on the team sheet for me,his presence has become incredibly reassuring.

Just needs a fully fit Dias next to him.

Don't tease such dirty ideas....

Next you'll be saying play Kyle Walker next to them both. *drools* (no disrespect to Rico obviously)

 

[eastmanc]

If he is made of glass, as you so smugly argue, then riddle me this good sir, why on earth would his last name be Stones?

It's a very good point sir.

 

[Cobra]

Not amongst the top 100 footballers in the world according to the Guardian - https://www.theguardian.com/footbal...e-100-best-male-footballers-in-the-world-2022

Otamendi, Koulibaly, Gakpo, Lisandro Martinez, Kyle Walker (not at his best the past year or so), Declan Rice, Hugo Lloris and Richarlison do make the list however. And these people are paid to watch football!