City fans writing John Stones off too early?

[The Fat el Hombre]

If our CL hopes rely on this wet lettuce we might as well not bother turning up against madrid. I thought he was captain material once upon a time, how wrong I was

 

[Boris Becker’s Backhand]

I keep reading Stones being completely written off.

But if we’re going to win the Champions League this season, I think he’s absolutely key to it.

People forget he started more games than Kompany in the Centurions season. And started 50% more games than Kompany in the Domestic Treble season.

He was easily England’s best centre back in the World Cup and was an automatic starter, way ahead of Slab Head.

He’s easily our best defender on the ball and our build up play from the back invariably starts with him.

He’s got an incredible record alongside Laporte, they complement each other so well. Laporte attacks on the front foot, allowing Stones to sweep in behind.

He’s not capable of leading the line himself, and should never play alongside Otamendi ever again. But alongside Laporte, that’s a combination with a proven track record of winning big games and winning trophies.

I like Garcia, and don’t mind Otamendi as a 4th choice back up. Fernandinho is a City legend, but we’ve never looked entirely comfortable with him at centre back.

I just can’t see us going all the way to winning the CL with any of those at centre back.

But Stones alongside Laporte, if they can both stay fit and in form, they’re the best chance we’ve got.

An on form, fit Stones is the best partner for Laporte for what remains of this season.

But an on form fit Stones is so rare that we can’t rely on him appearing so before next season we need to buy two new centre backs

 

[Keeper!]

A fit and confident Stones, with his head right.. is the perfect partner for Laporte

You have answered your own question, he is not fit or confident and his head is *****ed up.

 

[chaddblue]

You have answered your own question, he is not fit or confident and his head is *****ed up.

What question?

 

[Cellarite]

Thought you where comparing him to lescott.

So the only person on the thread who reads the word "slabhead" and thinks of Joleon Lescott is you. Nightmare post for you that.

 

[Blu3m00n91]

I don’t any City fan actually dislikes the guy but the problem is this is his 4th season now. He’s only played at a top level for half a season, was his last game the palace game? I hope he sorts his head out and gets back playing again but I don’t see him being the CB that we need now

 

[Maccblue]

Think that slip v Villa at Wembley was the last straw with Pep

 

[Keeper!]

What question?

You said he is the perfect choice when fit and healthy to partner Laporte, agree, but he is never fit and healthy and thus a waste of space.

 

[decmancity]

He's done, I know Pep does pull surprises but even he won't go and just pull Stones out of the wilderness and throw him in for the rest of the season. Sad really as we all know the ability that Stones has but there is a breakdown somewhere and Pep can't even trust him to come off the bench anymore. He is 5th choice CB, he needs to and will move on this summer for his own sake.

 

[Sleeping_Easy]

He's probably the player least living up to their potential in the squad at the minute.