John Stones

[hartshairgel]

So apologies in advance, I haven't been following the transfer saga's that closely - but we can't be too seriously in for Stones if Laporte is as good as done, can we?

We'd have to sell 2 of Kompany, Otamenidi, and Mangala (the club captain and 2 relatively new high priced, although divisive signings) which seems unlikely, and there's also Denayer waiting for a chance. Although that last one may be more wishful thinking from me than reality.

Also several areas of the squad need to be strengthened, I just can't see us spending big money on 2 CB's in the same window. Am I missing something?

I can see us selling Mangala and not relying too heavily on Kompany. We may also see one of either Stones or Laporte being used as a holding midfield player just as Pep developed Busquets. They are both good on the ball and have good accuracy. It may also help Stones develop as prone to mistakes r the moment but that's just inexperience.

 

[Ashleymcduff]

So apologies in advance, I haven't been following the transfer saga's that closely - but we can't be too seriously in for Stones if Laporte is as good as done, can we?

We'd have to sell 2 of Kompany, Otamenidi, and Mangala (the club captain and 2 relatively new high priced, although divisive signings) which seems unlikely, and there's also Denayer waiting for a chance. Although that last one may be more wishful thinking from me than reality.

Also several areas of the squad need to be strengthened, I just can't see us spending big money on 2 CB's in the same window. Am I missing something?

What your missing is kompany is a crock
Mang and otemendi are dog shit

 

[kaz7]

So apologies in advance, I haven't been following the transfer saga's that closely - but we can't be too seriously in for Stones if Laporte is as good as done, can we?

We'd have to sell 2 of Kompany, Otamenidi, and Mangala (the club captain and 2 relatively new high priced, although divisive signings) which seems unlikely, and there's also Denayer waiting for a chance. Although that last one may be more wishful thinking from me than reality.

Also several areas of the squad need to be strengthened, I just can't see us spending big money on 2 CB's in the same window. Am I missing something?

All the talk is for mangala to make way and we can't rely on vinny anymore plus demi has left

 

[yankblue]

All the talk is for mangala to make way and we can't rely on vinny anymore plus demi has left

Makes sense, thanks for the replies all. Agreed we can't rely on Vinny, as painful as that is. I still rate Otamendi and have hopes for Mangala - probably a good thing I'm not the manager then.

 

[blueincy]

Bailly is still extremely raw and prone to making errors due to his limited top-flight experience. He lacks discipline at times, which has seen him receive 11 cautions in all competitions this season, and his decision-making is not always as consistent as his manager would like.

He’ll certainly need to improve his passing out from the back, too, with Bailly generally looking to play a simple ball to his centre-back partner.

The learning curve is steep, but Bailly has the raw ingredients to improve with the right guidance.

Bailly sees red against Celta

That's just his weaknesses...

http://www.fourfourtwo.com/features...who-pep-wants-manchester-city#:cFLuUle3RVo5PA

 

[_OVO_]

I'd rather have Varane than Stones. 40-50m that is talked about for Stones would surely be enough to lure him away from Madrid. And a young solid French CB pairing (with Laporte), that's 7-8 years of central defence sorted. If potential and longevity is something we can't afford now, I'll definitely love to see Leonardo Bonucci, 29 y/o probably has 3-4 years of top quality football left in him. His ball playing is criminally underrated, certainly on par with Pique, Boateng,Hummels etc.
Latter is probably more of a wishful thinking, but if we are seriously interested in another CB (considering Laporte deal is a matter of when and not if) then the first option is what I'd personally like to see happening.

 

[simon23]

Lescott was shit

best partner Kompany has had..our defence was at its best with them two...i agree as an individual he was shaken at times but he made up a great defensive unit at the time

 

[Damien10]

What your missing is kompany is a crock
Mang and otemendi are dog shit

What a load of rubbish.

 

[stony]

What a load of rubbish.

What is? As much as City fans love Vinny, you'd need to have optimism levels bordering on delusion if you think he is in any way reliable. Otamendi and Mangala have both been huge disappointments. Neither of them are good enough.

 

[aguero93:20]

I'd rather have Varane than Stones. 40-50m that is talked about for Stones would surely be enough to lure him away from Madrid. And a young solid French CB pairing (with Laporte), that's 7-8 years of central defence sorted. If potential and longevity is something we can't afford now, I'll definitely love to see Leonardo Bonucci, 29 y/o probably has 3-4 years of top quality football left in him. His ball playing is criminally underrated, certainly on par with Pique, Boateng,Hummels etc.
Latter is probably more of a wishful thinking, but if we are seriously interested in another CB (considering Laporte deal is a matter of when and not if) then the first option is what I'd personally like to see happening.

Have my doubts on both counts about Bonucci. Quality wise because anyone playing with Chiellini and Barzagli is going to look good (everyone who's played alongside Chiellini has stepped up a level) and he's had a couple of nasty injuries as well, I don't think he has more than a year left at the top level.