5 | John Stones - 2022/23

[Bluewars]

Two 6Ft3 strapping lads playing little one twos and playing in and out of the midfield pockets so effortlessly, ahhhhh Pep! So this is what you were cooking all this time? It was a thing of beauty, Gracias, sorry i doubted you Mi Amor!

 

[dadnlad]

Sir John needs old tommy Booth song
he's here he's there
he's every fu*king where
jonny stones
jonny stones

i dont mnd song he's got now but pep's got him playing every position now

 

[Sprayleej3]

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.

Walker would be great playing where Akanji played, with John inverting. Walker building up in RCB and the ability to move to RB in transition while stones drops from DM back into CB in the defensive phase. Seems like that's Pep's endgame. Gets the most out of Walker's defensive abilities, and Stones' ball playing, without sacrificing the stability in transitions.

 

[WallyA]

Walker would be great playing where Akanji played, with John inverting. Walker building up in RCB and the ability to move to RB in transition while stones drops from DM back into CB in the defensive phase. Seems like that's Pep's endgame. Gets the most out of Walker's defensive abilities, and Stones' ball playing, without sacrificing the stability in transitions.

I have suggested this alternate that of a CB pushing up in midfield as well rather than the RB.

Pep also tried it but he used Rodri as a CB in defense and he pushed into DM when in possession.

The issue with is when coming back to defend the player has to slot between 2 others which can cause some confusion when being countered rather than requiring no coordination to slot to the right side as the other 3 shift in unison.

They both solve the same issue Pep wanted to solve which was transition into defending from a 325 attack with less space covered, but Peps solution is easier for players to implement mentally.

 

[Worsleyweb]

A magnificent player

 

[wolviedinho]

A magnificent player

Second that. The term rolls Royce is banded about too much but it epitomises Stones. Comfortable intelligent footballer. Seems a decent lad aswell. One of the best signing the club has made. I hope his new role is the way forward. His full potential is not utilised in defence.

 

[Brightwell Bros.]

The only question left about John Stones is why it took Pep so long to play him in the position he is now playing. Looks like he was born to play the role.

 

[Saddleworth2]

The only question left about John Stones is why it took Pep so long to play him in the position he is now playing. Looks like he was born to play the role.

I think he has got far better at it then those first performances (think it was in the CL) when it was tried.

 

[sir baconface]

Disappointed to see no mention of Rolls Royces in the two previous posts.

 

[ChazzMCFC]

He can do it all, fullback or midfield, even stick him on the wing if need be.