John Stones - 2016/17 performances

[Neville Kneville]

I said many times that I was 'wary' of us signing Stones because we would be signing potential rather than the finished article & that his passing is nowhere near as good as people make out.

i stand by that, but I think the criticism he is getting is largely unfair. It's not easy being a defender in Pep's teams & imo, barring a few ill judged moments, he's making a fucking good go of it.

I thought he would need babysitting by Vincent Kompany for at least 6-8 months. Most of the time he been next to people like Kolarov & Otamendi, who have no pace & don't read anything.

I recon those who wanted him were right, he's going to be a superb player for City & he's doing as well now, as most players would, in a new team under a new manager learning a new system, with no pre season.

Out of the current usual back 4, he's the only one I'd keep.

 

[Sane's Sarnie]

Feel sorry for Stones. He's getting a tough time of late from the media mainly due to the large fee we obviously paid for his services but also because people expected to him to hit the ground running. Myself included. Give the boy time! such a cliche nowadays but its obvious he is going to be a great player for the club. Otamendi is getting better but still not there and its a known fact we cannot rely on Vinny anymore. Stones will step up under Guardiola I am sure of that.

Found this video debating Stones's progression at City (second topic). One of the panelists suggests Pep can get the same out of Stones as a ball playing CB as he did with Pique at Barce. I agree, it's entirely possible, IF given time.

 

[City Glory While Others Fade]

I said many times that I was 'wary' of us signing Stones because we would be signing potential rather than the finished article & that his passing is nowhere near as good as people make out.

i stand by that, but I think the criticism he is getting is largely unfair. It's not easy being a defender in Pep's teams & imo, barring a few ill judged moments, he's making a fucking good go of it.

I thought he would need babysitting by Vincent Kompany for at least 6-8 months. Most of the time he been next to people like Kolarov & Otamendi, who have no pace & don't read anything.

I recon those who wanted him were right, he's going to be a superb player for City & he's doing as well now, as most players would, in a new team under a new manager learning a new system, with no pre season.

Out of the current usual back 4, he's the only one I'd keep.

Agree with that 100%. It's tough when Peps changing systems and personel all the time. The defence tbf hasn't been to bad apart from champs league where we played with 10 v barca and played a weakend defence v celtic. 2 goals scored in 5 games is the bigger problem, our attack is overhyped and clearly not delivering.
I understand about resting players but while its not working isnt it more important to find a setteled back 4 ???

 

[mosssideblue]

Just needs time, like Raheem did, and no doubt many others to follow will

 

[RandomJ]

Apart from that silly back pass which he needs to cut out of his game I thought he was solid as a rock defensively against Barca. Especially first half making some vital blocks.

 

[kaz7]

Welll done john,really played like a mature player

 

[moomba]

Brilliant from him. Wasnt convinced by any means when we were likely to sign him.

But looking like a very good long term buy.

 

[Cheadle_hulmeBlue]

apart from the misplaced pass was great tonight, making some good blocks

 

[Manchester_lalala]

Apart from that weird clearance/through ball, he was a rock. I feel that we need a new centre back next to him to bring the best out of him. Otamendi is too hot and cold and we can't rely on vinny.

 

[MC ID]

Considering he's a young lad who's very much a work in progress, he did pretty well against the best attacking trio in world football. Mad to think he has potentially several more levels to find in his game.