5 | John Stones - 2025/26

[ChicagoBlue]

I wasn't aware certain posters had different privileges and were unable to be challenged on their opinion, if you could provide a list that would he great !

If you paid a little attention, you wouldn’t need one from me.

 

[Eccles Blue]

Pep: No doubts about Stones’ quality​

Pep Guardiola says he is happy John Stones impressed for England during the international break.
The City fan-favourite played against Wales and Latvia and looked at his effortless best for Thomas Tuchel’s side.

Asked if he was pleased with his defender’s recent progress at his Friday press conference, Guardiola said: “I’m happy he’s back and there are no doubts about his quality.

“ I’m happy he’s playing for his country.”

I say no more at this time. :-) :-) :-)

 

[mexico1970]

Pep: No doubts about Stones’ quality​

Pep Guardiola says he is happy John Stones impressed for England during the international break.
The City fan-favourite played against Wales and Latvia and looked at his effortless best for Thomas Tuchel’s side.

Asked if he was pleased with his defender’s recent progress at his Friday press conference, Guardiola said: “I’m happy he’s back and there are no doubts about his quality.

“ I’m happy he’s playing for his country.”

I say no more at this time. :-) :-) :-)

I hope Mr Boulders gets a run out today, we most always play better with the big fella in the spine of the team.

 

[Lovebitesandeveryfing]

I've said it before. When Johnny is fit, he is one of the three or four classiest central defenders in the world. The huge problem, as we all know, has been the when — or rather the if.
I'd push it this far: if Stones had been reliably at a complete level of fitness since he joined us, I believe we'd have at least a second CL title to our name.

(And I'm not saying that just to get a like from EB. Although I wouldn't refuse it…)

 

[Gabriel]

Delicate operation nursing him through the season. No football for weeks since Monaco and then 90 minutes. Presumably Swansea City next, then Dortmund, and then almost another 3 weeks off before Leverkusen.

 

[Coljj]

 

[Cheadle_hulmeBlue]

Delicate operation nursing him through the season. No football for weeks since Monaco and then 90 minutes. Presumably Swansea City next, then Dortmund, and then almost another 3 weeks off before Leverkusen.

He’ll be starting in a few league games I’d imagine

 

[Gabriel]

He’ll be starting in a few league games I’d imagine

Perhaps, but it could well be that we’re happy milking him in these European games and domestic cup games and then resting others in between. Certainly be interesting to see how his body holds up if his workload intensifies to two games per week, let alone 3 in 8 days.

 

[mexico1970]

Can someone please check on @Eccles Blue after she watches this video ;-)

​

 

[supercity88]

He played well last night moving into midfield. He didn't just pass sideways, he was looking to spread the ball and use the width we had which was positive. On occasion when we've done it recently it all becomes a bit condensed in the middle and we just end up with a number of bodies in there, none of whom can really do much in the compacted area.

Last night it was better because it enabled us to release Bernardo and Rico into forward areas, with Sav and Doku holding the width. As a result Rico then gets the assist for the first and Bernardo scores the second. It all comes from the confidence of having Stones and Nico there to mop things up.

 

[K-Bo]

Devil's advocate take. He's definitely lost a yard. The immense quality is still there and some of those passes were a joke, but you can tell he's not covering the ground at the same level. Against physical/fast teams he will get got IMO, particularly pushed up or at right back.

 

[Eccles Blue]

Can someone please check on @Eccles Blue after she watches this video ;-)

​

Wow oh wow what a ‘smooth operator’!!! I knew there must be a reason why I voted for John Boy as MOTM. ;-) Thank you @mexico1970 :-)


EDIT I took my BP after I watched it, it was slightly raised!!

 

[Eccles Blue]

I've said it before. When Johnny is fit, he is one of the three or four classiest central defenders in the world. The huge problem, as we all know, has been the when — or rather the if.
I'd push it this far: if Stones had been reliably at a complete level of fitness since he joined us, I believe we'd have at least a second CL title to our name.

(And I'm not saying that just to get a like from EB. Although I wouldn't refuse it…)

You get 100 likes :-) ;-)

 

[Eccles Blue]

From the MCFC OS:

“Asked about Stones’ composed and stylish performance, Pep said: “Really good. Top. He can play his position, is so smart and helps us.

“Really good and really pleased for the game from John. [The year we won the Treble] he made an exceptional season and was an important player there.””



There is nothing I need to add as I sit here with a smug grin from ear to ear! :-) :-)



Very smarmy EB!

 

[Stelea]

So composed last night

 

[bennyboy]

You can understand why Pep gives him chance after chance to regain fitness because on his day he is one of the best players in the league.

 

[Ric]

Bernardo knows.

 

[Eccles Blue]

Bernardo knows.

Thank you @Ric you are now way, way, way up on my Christmas card list…. Shame I don’t know where to send it but I’m sure you can imagine it will be a special card!!!






Do City do Christmas cards with the pictures of players? Mmmmm that could be a source of income for them couldn’t it? ;-)

 

[oakiecokie]

Thank you @Ric you are now way, way, way up on my Christmas card list…. Shame I don’t know where to send it but I’m sure you can imagine it will be a special card!!!






Do City do Christmas cards with the pictures of players? Mmmmm that could be a source of income for them couldn’t it? ;-)

They`d soon run out of Boulders ones if they did, as you`d purchase the bloody lot. ;)

 

[Eccles Blue]

They`d soon run out of Boulders ones if they did, as you`d purchase the bloody lot. ;)

Noo, I’d leave half a dozen for the other fans!! ;-)