John Stones

[Sir peace frog]

Has there ever been successful CB partnerships where both the players are <22?

Smalling and Jones obviously

 

[bluesince76]

Maybe I have less than half a brain but even at the start I was wondering about the hype. I was hoping he'd settle but instead he collapsed. Seems a nice guy and we have a huge amount invested in him so I hope we are happy with him in the end ... but I'm not confident to be honest.

Did you see his comment last week about England and it being great to play for a coach who complained if he didn't attack? Not sure it was intentional, but it seemed a bit of a dig at Pellegrini

 

[Shaelumstash]

Not read the whole thread, but has anyone suggested him playing the pivote role in midfield? A deep lying playmaker?

He's not a natural centre back for me as he switches off and forgets to track runners, doesn't fill in space like a top centre back does.

He's absolutely superb on the ball though. Terrific technique, great eye for a pass, confident on the ball, not hesitant to play a sharp ball in to midfield. Sounds a lot like Busquets to me, only Stones is more athletic, much faster, and is young enough to learn and develop.

I'm not sure if he's ever played there before, but I just googled "Stones midfield" and it turns out Hodgson has considered using him there and Stones said he could play there.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/football...-reveals-he-may-play-john-stones-in-midfield/

 

[TRUE BLUE NO1]

Not read the whole thread, but has anyone suggested him playing the pivote role in midfield? A deep lying playmaker?

He's not a natural centre back for me as he switches off and forgets to track runners, doesn't fill in space like a top centre back does.

He's absolutely superb on the ball though. Terrific technique, great eye for a pass, confident on the ball, not hesitant to play a sharp ball in to midfield. Sounds a lot like Busquets to me, only Stones is more athletic, much faster, and is young enough to learn and develop.

I'm not sure if he's ever played there before, but I just googled "Stones midfield" and it turns out Hodgson has considered using him there and Stones said he could play there.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/football...-reveals-he-may-play-john-stones-in-midfield/

I get the feeling he is a very similar player to Laporte....and both would look comfortable as defensive mid or CB position and I think that is why Pep is so interested in them both...you might be able to find better defenders and better CM players but its rare to find players that are natural at both positions and can give a team the seamless link up play between the back 4 and the midfield.....I have no problem going all in for both players as these two together over the next 5 years would make the whole team better......

 

[Sir peace frog]

I get the feeling he is a very similar player to Laporte....and both would look comfortable as defensive mid or CB position and I think that is why Pep is so interested in them both...you might be able to find better defenders and better CM players but its rare to find players that are natural at both positions and can give a team the seamless link up play between the back 4 and the midfield.....I have no problem going all in for both players as these two together over the next 5 years would make the whole team better......

I like a ball playing CB but I always think you need a rough fucker by their side not seen much of laporte is he rugged and silky as well

 

[TRUE BLUE NO1]

I like a ball playing CB but I always think you need a rough fucker by their side not seen much of laporte is he rugged and silky as well

Laporte had 2 reds and 8 yellow cards this season.....so likes to get stuck in!;) and from the little I've seen, he looks comfortable beating a man and carrying it out of defense.....still young and like Stones still learning but feel they both would be the right signings and perfect fit for Pep's system......

 

[TRUE BLUE NO1]

Could the fact that Everton dont currently have a manager mean any talks with Everton over a Stones deal, might be held up until a new manager arrives and confirms if he's for sale or not?

 

[prestonibbo_mcfc]

Smalling and Jones obviously

Think he was on about age, not IQ's ;-)

 

[stony]

Could the fact that Everton dont currently have a manager mean any talks with Everton over a Stones deal, might be held up until a new manager arrives and confirms if he's for sale or not?

Kenwright has the last say. Moyes was dead against selling Lescott, but Uncle Bill saw the pound signs and did the deal.

 

[Dax777]

Has there ever been successful CB partnerships where both the players are <22?

Dortmund 5 years ago. Subotic and Hummels both 22.