John Stones

[TRUE BLUE NO1]

I would say this about Stones


Not knocking you as I rate you as a poster, but the above is wishful imho.

Stones will be dynamite, said like a wishful prophecy. I like Stones passing, I like his confidence and I like his composure. But he is so unproven its untrue, he is coming off the back of a bad season and didnt even push his way into the starting eleven for a piss poor England defence, yet costs 50m. Walk away!!!

Hi mate, I understand the concerns but he still young and wont hit his peak for a few more years. I agree he might not have played "world class" last season and I also agree Stones might not be "worth" 50mil today but a year or 2 under Pep no one will question this price.. he's light on his feet, smooth, controlled under pressure, can mirror an attacker and make a game winning pass and in all these areas he is light years ahead of Mangala, who we paid nearly 40mil for..When you think about the Mangala cost, I really cant see a big issue with 50mil for Stones as he's clearly a 10mil better CB...The same "passing, confidence and composure" that you mention, thats what Pep needs in his CB's....I guess the only argument is, should we pay 50mil for a defender that still has room to grow? Maybe, maybe not.....thats what City need to decide before the window shuts!;) cheers

Only youtube so take with a pinch of salt but the potential is there...

 

[Keith Moon]

It not a certainty. He could very well stay at Everton.

IMO (now this really is just my opinion, not something I've heard) it will go to deadline day knowing Everton.

Everything is possible and I guess it will be Lescott all over again if its not true that we already have a deal. Its counterproductive to keep a player two seasons against his will because it will effect the group and it will make players think twice before joining.

 

[Colin Bells Boots]

Pep will have the defense set up properly, picking up runners and man marking, unlike Pellers "quick rush to 18yrd line and hold for offside". If Stones arrives or not last years defending will be just a fading memory.

Totally agree. The defense /midfield combination was shambolic at times last season. Accepting that there may well be some settling in issues, our overall defense must be a real improvement with Pep in charge.

 

[City_Sean]

Could the same not be said for our bunch?

It's a fair point but you have to consider certain players qualities on the ball, Mangala isn't good enough in possession for me.

 

[BillyShears]

It not a certainty. He could very well stay at Everton.

IMO (now this really is just my opinion, not something I've heard) it will go to deadline day knowing Everton.

Everton would be stupid to keep him this summer. His performances last season were rank, they won't improve this season if he's forced to stay whilst City march on with Pep.

In terms of it going to deadline day, I suspect John himself will take matters into his own hands before that. You can maybe keep a player one year against his will, but two years with a player of his quality with no European football, uncertainty over your other best players, and no real force shown in the market in terms of improving your own squad to stop it regressing never mind standing still ... yeah Stones will get his move. And if he doesn't then you will have a player who's value is going to plummet next season. As I say keeping him this summer will be pure stupidity on the part of your owners. But they're new to owning and running a club so they will make mistakes early doors.

 

[G-Star Medium Rare]

Are we including Bony as makeweight in our offer for Stones? I think he might suit their style of play and fit in better than he has done with us!

 

[mosssideblue]

Hi mate, I understand the concerns but he still young and wont hit his peak for a few more years. I agree he might not have played "world class" last season and I also agree Stones might not be "worth" 50mil today but a year or 2 under Pep no one will question this price.. he's light on his feet, smooth, controlled under pressure, can mirror an attacker and make a game winning pass and in all these areas he is light years ahead of Mangala, who we paid nearly 40mil for..When you think about the Mangala cost, I really cant see a big issue with 50mil for Stones as he's clearly a 10mil better CB...The same "passing, confidence and composure" that you mention, thats what Pep needs in his CB's....I guess the only argument is, should we pay 50mil for a defender that still has room to grow? Maybe, maybe not.....thats what City need to decide before the window shuts!;) cheers

Only youtube so take with a pinch of salt but the potential is there...

We shouldnt be paying £50m for a defender whose weakness is defending. He might have a silky touch, find an intricate pass etc, but fundamentally, he needs to be able to defend . Gen question to all those who say he has all the attributes that Pep needs, do you rate his ability to defend?

 

[TRUE BLUE NO1]

We shouldnt be paying £50m for a defender whose weakness is defending. He might have a silky touch, find an intricate pass etc, but fundamentally, he needs to be able to defend . Gen question to all those who say he has all the attributes that Pep needs, do you rate his ability to defend?

Hi mate...My understanding is that Pep doesnt use CB's in the "traditional" way...defending is just one aspect of many responsibilities. Yes, he can improve(and will) in this area but I believe there is a reason why we've been linked to him for months and he has been one of our main targets "all summer"....and thats because Pep must feel he's the closest thing to the "complete package" for his style of play....the fact that we still even at the table, after the rumoured 50mil asking price, shows just how highly they must rate him...

 

[BillyShears]

We shouldnt be paying £50m for a defender whose weakness is defending. He might have a silky touch, find an intricate pass etc, but fundamentally, he needs to be able to defend . Gen question to all those who say he has all the attributes that Pep needs, do you rate his ability to defend?

You're looking at this backwards. Did you read Pep's words about why he likes midfielders in defence? Those sound like the words of a man who thinks that the most important attributes on a defender are their defensive attributes?

It's not up to you or me it's up to the manager what kind of player he wants. And it's crystal that he wants Stones.

 

[mosssideblue]

You're looking at this backwards. Did you read Pep's words about why he likes midfielders in defence? Those sound like the words of a man who thinks that the most important attributes on a defender are their defensive attributes?

It's not up to you or me it's up to the manager what kind of player he wants. And it's crystal that he wants Stones.

Not sure I understand your response. Are you saying he will need to be a good defender and that he currently is?