5 | John Stones - 2022/23

[skillman]

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

 

[Deleted member 81382]

I remember the days back I think around 18/19 and 19/20 when pep first started to experiment with stones in midfield and fair to say it wasn't flattering at all. Since then he's come on leaps and bounds in a lot of aspects to the point that now he looks so comfortable in the middle as if he's a seasoned midfielder. Not only that but his defensive awareness and concentration has come along so far now whereas before he would do well and then there would be moments were he would switch off which would cost us. What a player.

It's asking a lot for a defender who usually has the benefit of seeing the whole game in front of them to suddenly be put in the most congested area of the pitch where you have to be aware of everything that's happening around you.

I think the game you're referring to was the 3-2 loss at home to Palace in 2018/19 when we tried him there and it was a bit of a disaster. In his defence he was new to the role and was playing as a lone defensive midfielder because Fernandinho was out. Now we're using him alongside Rodri which makes things easier but I agree that he has improved a lot in that position.

It shows how important it is to have adaptable players in the squad and how lucky we are to have a manager who can solve problems by making these sorts of tactical adjustments.

 

[Tricky_Trev]

This is world class midfield play.

 

[SebastianBlue]

I gotta say I thought he wasn't great in the first half

I think that was more to do with everyone being slightly less effective the first half, which added strains. Really I can only think of two misplaced headers that put us under pressure, but even then it is hard to criticise him because clearing headers are subject to so much chaos.

Second half, he was absolutely dominant, and helped others to feel more confident, as well.

Of course, the goal putting us ahead inside 60 seconds of kickoff also helped! But he played a part in that, as well, as I believe he part of breaking up Liverpool’s kickoff routine (which almost never works).

 

[skillman]

This is world class midfield play.

Perfection personified

 

[SebastianBlue]

The Barnsley Beckenbaeur.

 

[OB1]

I’d love to know how long Pep has worked with Stones on this new role Before actually using him in it in a match.

Doing it in competitive fixtures is what will really help Stones progress and it will be fascinating to see just how good Stones can become stepping into midfield from right back.

 

[walker_is_faster]

His abilty to understand space and use it, is what it makes him world class player and that is why he is good in different positions.Not many defenders poses that abilty.
The way he plays is like art you can enjoy watching him play. If you don't enjoy than something is wrong with you.

 

[skillman]

I’d love to know how long Pep has worked with Stones on this new role Before actually using him in it in a match.

Doing it in competitive fixtures is what will really help Stones progress and it will be fascinating to see just how good Stones can become stepping into midfield from right back.

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.

 

[brazilians hurt]

Despite the 2 dodgy first half headers he was imperious in the second half. A Guardiola tactical master stroke executed brilliantly by the Barnsley Beckenbauer
What a player he is!

 

[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.