John Stones

[ono]

Good point tbf but I'm not surprised when he plays in a midfield 2 with yaya

Yeah this is what I think was the main problem. The in-game situations that lead to us conceding weren't directly Yaya's fault, because Fernandinho was making split second decisions to close down space ahead of him, so Yaya wouldn't have been able go cover anyway, but I think Pellegrini basically instructed Dinho to basically put in the work rate of two players (when playing in a 2) to cover for Yaya's lack of mobility.

I think it just highlights Pellegrini's total lack of planning to be honest, because all too often, this scenario would occur in a match, and the defenders would try and react to it off the cuff, and as a result they would look all over the place.

I mean, if we can see that the easiest way to play through us is by pulling Dinho out of position, I'm sure others noticed it too.

It will be totally different under Pep, and with the system being different and much more efficient, I think we will be loads better. I just have my reservations on Stones, although I do see the appeal given his nationality, age and undoubted technical ability.

 

[ono]

To be fair to Dinho, as you've pointed out, he was played in a midfield 2 with Yaya. He was therefore at times covering his position and where Yaya should have if he wasnt sat on the floor complaining 30 yards up the pitch.

Yeah exactly, but at times he wrongly decided to engage and try to win the ball back when it would have been better to try and contain. He plays a high risk pressing game. Personally if am lining up a midfield 2, and 1 of the players was lazy and 1 a complete work horse, I would just have them contain the play....or I'd play a holder behind Dinho so he can press all he wants, because missed interceptions wouldn't result in danger. Pellegrini tried to press with a 2 in midfield, and almost use a center back as a holder (to push up and close down the space). Problem was, that player was Otamendi and he is too prone to selling himself for that to work with any degree of regularity.

 

[Bellamy's Caddy]

Of course I do. Somebody alluded to the fact that our defenders often go AWOL into the center of the pitch to close down space. I was simply pointing out that Fernandinho does the exact same thing and it cost us valuable goals in big games.

Watch Marcus Rasford's goal against us. Watch what Fernandinho does as Mata controls the ball on the half way line. Look at the gap he leaves behind him. And then watch what Demichellis does.

Watch Mahrez's goal against us. Watch how Fernandinho wrongly tried to engage Kante without noticing the space that he is leaving behind him. Then watch what Otamendi does to cover the space.

I'm not blaming Dinho. I love him. But at times he was a problem (alongside Yaya) when we deployed a 2 man midfield.

So yes, I do realise he was POTS contender, but I also realise that people over subscribe to his work rate and tenacity without stopping to think how it can sometimes work against the team.

In a midfield 3, it doesn't cause a problem because there is cover available but in a two, it did.

I thought exactly the same RE Fernandinho's pressing last season, it happened a lot and left us vulnerable to counter attacks.

I rate Fernandinho very highly and he worked his arse off last season, but the system we often played, him and Yaya in the centre meant this kind of pressing was wreckless and left the defence wide open. I put it down to poor management and I'm looking forward to seeing how Guardiola sets us up.

In terms of Stones, I think he will be a great signing if it happens. His ability on the ball is evident and at his age he will only get better. I expect, or rather hope that our defence will be better protected this season and I think we will see a far more solid central defence than the last few seasons. I'm sure Stones will play a big part in that.

 

[domalino]

Stones will be class. Mark my words.

We can't miss out on him this summer. I don't think some realise what a step up he is, compared to our current lot, on the ball. It's vital we get him in and get Pep mentoring him earlier to remove that clouded mind he has after Martinez's reign at Everton.

Anybody who is doubting this transfer should remember that the reason he didn't look great last year was the fact he was playing in the 2nd most baffling defensive setup I've ever seen (after Pellegrini's daft 'centre half comes into midfield leaving a big fuck off gap in behind' setup).

Whatever his price tag is now, after a season with Koeman organising the defence at Everton, you could add £20m to it.

 

[Thenumber1blue]

Someone I work with has mentioned it's going to be £20,000,000 plus Bony.

I then asked what about Lukaku apparently he has agreed terms with Arsenal and the two clubs are negotiating a fee.

Just thought I'd share.

Hope we get stones deal wrapped up within the week :)

Haha comical

 

[GeorgeHeslop'sTackle.]

Whatever his price tag is now, after a season with Koeman organising the defence at Everton, you could add £20m to it.

This is what I can't understand. If the only reason that Stones was poor last season, is that the rest of the back four, around him, was crap. Why wouldn't Koeman want to keep such a "supposed" quality player & rebuild the rest of the defence around him?

I'm sure if they thought that much of the lad, they would be able to come up a deal to persuade him to stay... Particularly if, as the Everton fans & their new owner constantly assure us, they now in a position to be in serious contention for all major honours, both this season, and long into the future

 

[prestonibbo_mcfc]

This is what I can't understand. If the only reason that Stones was poor last season, is that the rest of the back four, around him, was crap. Why wouldn't Koeman want to keep such a "supposed" quality player & rebuild the rest of the defence around him?

I'm sure if they thought that much of the lad, they would be able to come up a deal to persuade him to stay... Particularly if, as the Everton fans & their new owner constantly assure us, they now in a position to be in serious contention for all major honours, both this season, and long into the future

Maybe he does, but Stones wants to go ? We don't know what he agreed with Everton after not being allowed to leave last season.

 

[Sergio Picasso Aguero]

Can see this being our next signing

 

[Chi-town blues]

I think stone is over hyped.Little pressure and he looks nervy every time.

 

[oakiecokie]

To be fair to Dinho, as you've pointed out, he was played in a midfield 2 with Yaya. He was therefore at times covering his position and where Yaya should have if he wasnt sat on the floor complaining 30 yards up the pitch.

Is the correct answer.