5 | John Stones - 2023/24

[Deleted member 81382]

Stones is a brilliant ball playing centre half, he's comfortable bringing the ball out and rock solid in defence.
What he isn't is a midfielder, he can pop in and help out, but it's not his position, another square peg in a round hole.

I don't think even Pep sees him as a midfielder it's just that there was no alternative. Before anyone says Phillips, it's pretty clear that he's not considered an option. Kovacic or Nunes probably would've started there if they were fit or even Bernardo if we didn't need him to play on the wing due to a lack of options.

 

[jimmygrimblesboots]

Looked ring rusty , got in the right positions but he was nowhere near match fit , he will need a few games to get up to pace , lets just hope he doesnt get injured again

 

[kenbelly]

Glad big John’s back, we need him at the back to organise us.

 

[meeesh]

Looked ring rusty , got in the right positions but he was nowhere near match fit , he will need a few games to get up to pace , lets just hope he doesnt get injured again

But still best performer for us on the night look lessed panicked than all the others

 

[Goater=Legend]

Get him back into CB with Ruben.

 

[Akira]

Looked rusty. Can't blame him too much when it looked like he's been thrown in there after just returning.

 

[ChicagoBlue]

Been off for a month and he’s not upto speed yet. The PL is fast, and playing DM/pivot requires speed of thought, movement and strength on the ball to protect it. He was lacking a bit of all three tonight and looked like he needed longer studs on his boots at times.

Got a nasty knock from McGinn (dirty twat!) early on, so I hope he doesn’t have a reaction to that or the thigh.

He’s BY FAR the best CB stepping into midfield alongside Rodri, so here’s hoping normal service will be resumed this weekend!

Playing a Back Three has led to shipping goals galore, but playing him as a roving CB/DM suits him, and improves the strength of our defence, perfectly.

If he and Rodri could stay fit and out of trouble for the rest of the season, it would improve our chances of winning the League dramatically.

 

[Cheadle_hulmeBlue]

So glad he’s back. Needs a few games to get up to speed though

 

[Stelea]

Stones is a brilliant ball playing centre half, he's comfortable bringing the ball out and rock solid in defence.
What he isn't is a midfielder, he can pop in and help out, but it's not his position, another square peg in a round hole.

Remarkable that people think he is a ready made replacement for Rodri when needed. He has been outstanding as the false CH/Mid but that role is totally different to Rodri’s with a lot more freedom to roam all over pitch and to give us the extra body in midfield

 

[Dazzle84]

You know what I'd like to see? Him playing centre half with Dias to the left of him and Rodri in front. Him moving into midfield is lovely and all, but he's the best centre half in the league, let's build some stability back into the team.