John Stones - 2016/17 performances

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Played well in the main today,seems to be getting stronger physically by the game.. However, still don't think he's ready to lead our defence yet. For the chance they had just after our first he was three yards behind the rest of the back four and playing their man onside. He was far too deep for their goal too. It seems to happen to us at least 3-4 times a game, there's always one of our defenders hanging back playing their last man onside. I've lost count of the number of times we could have played teams offside if the last defender was 5 yards further up the pitch and it's led to a goal. It's basic stuff which top teams punish. Why it's not being addressed I don't know. We don't seem to have any method behind the defensive side of our game which is very worrying. Maybe Pep sees it as below him?

As much as for Stones' development as anything else, we desperately need a vocal leader in our back four, whether it's Vinny or someone else I don't know. We can't afford to have bit-part players at centre half next season. Otamendi has been a huge disappointment. Kolarov is no more than a squad player. He has to play Kompany with Stones for the rest of the season otherwise we will be punished.
 
jaigurugoat said:
Played well in the main today,seems to be getting stronger physically by the game.. However, still don't think he's ready to lead our defence yet. For the chance they had just after our first he was three yards behind the rest of the back four and playing their man onside. He was far too deep for their goal too. It seems to happen to us at least 3-4 times a game, there's always one of our defenders hanging back playing their last man onside. I've lost count of the number of times we could have played teams offside if the last defender was 5 yards further up the pitch and it's led to a goal. It's basic stuff which top teams punish. Why it's not being addressed I don't know. We don't seem to have any method behind the defensive side of our game which is very worrying. Maybe Pep sees it as below him?

As much as for Stones' development as anything else, we desperately need a vocal leader in our back four, whether it's Vinny or someone else I don't know. We can't afford to have bit-part players at centre half next season. Otamendi has been a huge disappointment. Kolarov is no more than a squad player. He has to play Kompany with Stones for the rest of the season otherwise we will be punished.
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Solid game today i thought, agree that he is not yet ready to lead the line and it is a shame because if Vinny had been at his side all season he would have come on leaps and bounds imo. If Vinny is to be moved on by Pep this summer then we need a vocal leader in there who Stones can learn and develop alongside
 
He's improving as the season progresses which is what you want from a young player. Shows he's learning and developing and will hopefully fulfil the potential he has.
 
93Aguero20 said:
Why's he getting off lightly? I think the biggest area of his game that needs improving is the fact he constantly backs off rather than challenging defenders. I think the past few weeks he's become a real leader at the CB.
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Compare and contrast with Bravo thread since full time against Hull.
 
93Aguero20 said:
Why's he getting off lightly? I think the biggest area of his game that needs improving is the fact he constantly backs off rather than challenging defenders. I think the past few weeks he's become a real leader at the CB.
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thats his style of play though. he doesnt have to go sliding in to win the ball. he bides his time and then puts his foot in. i think koeman used to play like that.
 
Haven't been his biggest fan but have to say the past month or so there's been a steady improvement in all aspects of his game but especially the defensive side. He's becoming more confident in the system and what Pep wants of him and his awareness has improved greatly. Aside from the thing he does where he constantly backs off attackers till its too late I haven't seen any major problems in the past weeks and hopefully his trajectory continues as I hope he can become the player that replaces Kompany at the back as the teams' leader though admittedly that's a bit of a stretch.
 
Hope he's not out for too long, we'll need him next week, 180 minutes in 4 days is probably too much to ask of Vinny and the other 2 need lead.
 
I like him! A good signing. A lot of potential and a lot to prove.

I am happy with him. I hope he comes again soon.
 
BongoBlue said:
Seen this load of bollocks off ESPN. If he was still an Everton player, the headline would most likely be totally different...:

http://www.espnfc.us/club/burnley/3...manchester-united-target-michael-keanes-class
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Tbh I could name several defenders that have had a better seasn so far than Stones, but that is not the point. The point is Pep sees Stones fit his system and is developing him in to the defender that can cope with that. When Stones can, he will be some defender. And I don't think Pep sees many defenders fit to play his way as it is the most difficult system for any defender. As for being a defender at Burnley, it's easier to defend close to the goalkeeper than on the halfway line.
The writer is a Burnley blogger, so painted glasses. Btw, isn't Burnley playing the scum this weekend? I rest my case.
 
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