5 | John Stones - 2024/25

[Middedon]

If we’re going with the vehicle analogy, we have a Rolls Royce (Stones) and another slightly temperamental European car (Ake). Amazing on a nice sunny day when everything is working order. Two new Harleys - Joško and Rico - awesome but not always what you need and still learning. (I don’t know what Walker is in this analogy) If we’re going to have all this fancy equipment, we need a garage full of no frill Toyotas for the rainy days when nothing else is working…or something to drive to the grocery when someone will probably back into you. Akanji is probably the only Toyota. But obviously life is more fun if you have more than just Toyotas..and what a thrill to bring them out when the conditions are right.

 

[northmr8]

People are quick to comment on his availability and assuming it's always because of injury. Look at last season in the second half of the league - he just wasn't being played. No wonder he was able to do a 7 game run with England, he was fresh as a daisy.

 

[eastmanc]

If we’re going with the vehicle analogy, we have a Rolls Royce (Stones) and another slightly temperamental European car (Ake). Amazing on a nice sunny day when everything is working order. Two new Harleys - Joško and Rico - awesome but not always what you need and still learning. (I don’t know what Walker is in this analogy) If we’re going to have all this fancy equipment, we need a garage full of no frill Toyotas for the rainy days when nothing else is working…or something to drive to the grocery when someone will probably back into you. Akanji is probably the only Toyota. But obviously life is more fun if you have more than just Toyotas..and what a thrill to bring them out when the conditions are right.

Kyle is a very old Porsche. Quick but losing its power.

 

[sir baconface]

I am pretty sure that in view of the current situation the club are enduring, there are some serious decisions being made on the long-term futures of a number of the players.

And, added to that, a new DoF who will want to make his mark.

 

[sir baconface]

People are quick to comment on his availability and assuming it's always because of injury. Look at last season in the second half of the league - he just wasn't being played. No wonder he was able to do a 7 game run with England, he was fresh as a daisy.

But if you’re repeatedly out with injuries, you’re not always going to get straight back into the side. You’re being kind, mate. We all know he’s not Mr Reliable.

 

[Pedestrian]

He’s clearly got a chronic injury that probably needs a fix but maybe he’s looked at his age and career and questioned whether it’s worth the discomfort. Hip maybe? Can’t see him being here next season. That Mediterranean heat would suit his body and skill set.