John Stones - 2016/17 performances

[kaz7]

PEP: Stones is not fit. Muscular problem. He’s out but maybe he comes back for United

 

[mosssideblue]

PEP: Stones is not fit. Muscular problem. He’s out but maybe he comes back for United

Vinnie and Ota were solid last week, so we should be fine if Vinnie is ok to play

 

[BongoBlue]

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.

Absolutely, and of course Keane is also a United target so it fits nicely with the overall narrative. Yeah Stones hasn't had a great season but is improving and everyone can see the footballer that he is and will become. But with our defensive struggles this season, he becomes an easy target with the big price tag. So articles like this will surface. It's just that saying that the comparison is "not even close" lights my wick.

 

[kaz7]

Still injured

 

[howfen blue]

What exactly is wrong with Stones. You never seem to get a straight answer off the manager these days?

 

[blueinsa]

I like John as a player and he has so much potential but off the back of an injury lay off granted, tonight when he came on he was abysmal and frankly looked like his head was anywhere but on the pitch and the job at hand and that isnt good enough.

 

[Cheadle_hulmeBlue]

I like John as a player and he has so much potential but off the back of an injury lay off granted, tonight when he came on he was abysmal and frankly looked like his head was anywhere but on the pitch and the job at hand and that isnt good enough.

as you say hes been out for quite a while now. so he was going to be rusty. I dont think it really matters tbh, overall this season i think hes been quite good. you can see the potential

 

[remember arthur mann]

I like John as a player and he has so much potential but off the back of an injury lay off granted, tonight when he came on he was abysmal and frankly looked like his head was anywhere but on the pitch and the job at hand and that isnt good enough.

Too busy moonlighting playing Virgin games !!

 

[Mancityus]

Sub Kompany with Stones and it took just one cross and we give away a goal. This needs to be addressed next year or we will be leaking too many goals to be competitive.

 

[Hungarian blue]

Sub Kompany with Stones and it took just one cross and we give away a goal. This needs to be addressed next year or we will be leaking too many goals to be competitive.

Firstly, Otamendi who otherwise has a solid form lost a header (not so typical of him) battle and then mistimed an interception (not so typical of him), and only through that they were in a very solid crossing position. And then again, though that's mostly down to luck, Otamendi was in a wrong position to block the cross. Let's not pretend we never concede via a cross with Kompany in a side, or that in any kind of game changing 50% of your backline might not backfire. Stones was rusty, but there's nothing really in it.

 

[domalino]

Sub Kompany with Stones and it took just one cross and we give away a goal. This needs to be addressed next year or we will be leaking too many goals to be competitive.

We've conceded 10 goals in our last 15 league games. Kompany has played in 7 of those 15, and we conceded 4 of the 10 goals with Vinny on the pitch. Aka we've drastically tightened up with and without Vinny.

That averages out to 25 goals per season, right in line with Spurs who are currently the best defence in the league.

So we're fine defensively as far as I'm concerned. A new pair of full backs will make a massive difference as well.


Yesterday, the game had descended into an exhibition for Zaba and I thought a goal was coming for a while. Pep obviously thought it might happen, hence waiting for the 3rd before letting the party start.

Stones and Fernando combine to make the mistake, two guys who had just come on, it happens sometimes, no big deal.

 

[eversince 76]

I'd like put that goal we conceded in a different perspective. It was all about Zaba's goodbye and many lost concentration over these last few minutes.

 

[Neville Kneville]

The most startling thing to me, was that Stones looked like a child by comparison.

He is absolutely nowhere near Kompany in any area of football, at present. And that includes passing the ball.

 

[mancityvstoke]

It was worrying how he gave the ball away.....needs to get much better and more confident

 

[OrigamiNinja]

The most startling thing to me, was that Stones looked like a child by comparison.

He is absolutely nowhere near Kompany in any area of football, at present. And that includes passing the ball.

What worries me is that Stones is a £50m defender and I think the only chance he has of becoming top class at City is if he has Vinny (or another top class CB) next to him. Surely a player of his value should be able to take care of his own business?

 

[moomba]

What worries me is that Stones is a £50m defender and I think the only chance he has of becoming top class at City is if he has Vinny (or another top class CB) next to him. Surely a player of his value should be able to take care of his own business?

It doesnt matter what he cost.

He's here now, the price has been agreed and we can't change that.

The only important thing is whether or not he is good enough for us now, and in the future.

For me the answer is unquestionably yes.

One of two defenders at the club I think are sure things to remain.

 

[Neville Kneville]

What worries me is that Stones is a £50m defender and I think the only chance he has of becoming top class at City is if he has Vinny (or another top class CB) next to him. Surely a player of his value should be able to take care of his own business?

We bought potential.

And a lot of the football industry believe that potential will see him become a great player. I never saw it, at Everton, but I'll bow to their expertise. But the player we bought from Eveton, was a player not good enough to be a main starter at cb in Everton's team & imo that's the player City currently own.

I agree totally. If he is to reach the level people say he can reach, it will depend on his teacher, in the team, not just on Pep's coaching.

Another reason we need to buy another top cb imo.

 

[moomba]

I never saw it, at Everton, but I'll bow to their expertise.

I never saw it at Everton either. Wasnt too fussed about the cockups (still arent), and while his work on the ball was and is excellent he just didnt seem to have that defensive nous to him.

But I've been impressed with that side of his game this season. Obviously no comparison to VK in his ability to lead a defence but I saw good signs.

 

[Neville Kneville]

I never saw it at Everton either. Wasnt too fussed about the cockups (still arent), and while his work on the ball was and is excellent he just didnt seem to have that defensive nous to him.

But I've been impressed with that side of his game this season. Obviously no comparison to VK in his ability to lead a defence but I saw good signs.

I've seen games where he's looked almost world class. But I could say the same about Otamendi. And Steven Ireland.

The main thing about world class players is they repeat it, year in year out. Stones & Otta, in their City careeers, have so far struggled to put 3 high quality games together in a row. People blame it on Pep's tinkering. Yet VK can come in half fit & nail it straight away.

 

[Blue Hefner]

I'm not sure what he was playing at when he came on. He 'cleared his lines' more times in ten minutes than he has all season - very bizarre.

That said, he's had a 7 out of 10 season