John Stones

[01cravend]

I honestly don't believe Stones is going to be a world class centre half. He'll develop into a good premier league CB akin to the Jagielkas and Shawcrosses of this world but I don't think he has anything about him, as a defender, that suggests he'll push on past that level into the elite.

I've yet to see a top performance from him and certainly nothing to suggest we should pay £50mil for him. On the whole this season he's been fairly poor, especially in his decision making, positioning and basically the basics. Second only to Russell Martin for defensive errors.

Just think he's another product of the English hype train. Much better options out there including one of which is already ours. I hope Pep comes in and has absolute control over transfers because those in charge currently have got it wrong too often in last few years.

 

[mad zab]

I honestly don't believe Stones is going to be a world class centre half. He'll develop into a good premier league CB akin to the Jagielkas and Shawcrosses of this world but I don't think he has anything about him, as a defender, that suggests he'll push on past that level into the elite.

I've yet to see a top performance from him and certainly nothing to suggest we should pay £50mil for him. On the whole this season he's been fairly poor, especially in his decision making, positioning and basically the basics. Second only to Russell Martin for defensive errors.

Just think he's another product of the English hype train. Much better options out there including one of which whom is already ours. I hope Pep comes in and has absolute control over transfers because those in charge currently have got it wrong too often in last few years.

I agree with you mate. Our pathetic defence has conceded 8 less goals than the one with the next Bobby Moore in it!!

 

[The Richard Wright Fan Club]

I'm sorry but Otamendi is light years better than Mangala. He is multiple classes above him. No way Ota is being sold. The taught is laughable really. If a new CB comes in its either Denayer is not coming back or Mangala is leaving.

Neither Kompany not Ota ate going anywhere. These 2 are going to be constant.

If I were to compare our defenders to Bayern's, Komps would be Badstuber, Ota is Boateng, and Mangala is Dante.

Dante's at Wolfsburg.

 

[trevorriley]

Two top replies above from emerdale boy and zab man...

I don't think defenders mature and show just how good they are until 24 or 25, they tend to have a longer shelf life than all other players to so can go on to 32 or even 34. With this in mind stones has more playing time yet to show he can work hard and read the game before he gets a 40 million price tag.

Everton have talkshite and sky to thank if they get 40 million this year because they love him.. It's different when you come to city, you are then criticised from day one and dare to make a mistake in your first 5 games and your season has been poor and it's shown in slow motion for the next 3 months.

Remember lescott coming from Everton as their prise player. He looked lost for 2 seasons until kompany shaped him up, was dreadful on the ball.

 

[Metalartin]

We will see what Pep makes of him but I feel if we get him he will get the same treatment as all the young English player we buy from now on will... "overrated... more money than sense City wasting money again"

We'd be swapping him for Mangala if we do get him IMO and to be honest the main bonus he's supposed to have is he is composed on the ball and attack minded... he's already made mistakes that have cost Everton this season and people have got on his back a bit about it, the pressure will double if not treble when he signs with us. So he's not ready yet IMO and not worth losing money by selling Mangala who is a solid unit, fast, powerful and was improving when working alongside Kompany at the start of the season.

I like Otamendi personally and think he is or will be our best defender after Vinny should he stay... more importantly though I'd rather have the player who really wants to stay and play for this club more(it could be Manga or Ota don't see themselves adapting to BPL or life in England) because in the long run that works out best for everyone. Maybe Pep will have a word and consider his options when he comes in.

 

[VOOMER]

Otamendi would excellent as a defensive midfielder, better than Fernando. If we buy Laporte we will have two very quick center half's and another two capable of playing in central midfield. Sign Stones as well and that's 3 rapid centre half's who are young and can play at full back.

 

[mike1923]

I don't think our centre backs are a priority at the moment - denayer in for Demi should be enough of a change to be getting on with, and the transfers used for the more urgent positions (left back!)

I think the defence will be improved enough just by Pep coming in to be honest

 

[Armaan]

Otamendi would excellent as a defensive midfielder, better than Fernando. If we buy Laporte we will have two very quick center half's and another two capable of playing in central midfield. Sign Stones as well and that's 3 rapid centre half's who are young and can play at full back.

I agree about Ota, he would thrive in that position.

 

[BlueKlaude]

I honestly don't believe Stones is going to be a world class centre half. He'll develop into a good premier league CB akin to the Jagielkas and Shawcrosses of this world but I don't think he has anything about him, as a defender, that suggests he'll push on past that level into the elite.

I've yet to see a top performance from him and certainly nothing to suggest we should pay £50mil for him. On the whole this season he's been fairly poor, especially in his decision making, positioning and basically the basics. Second only to Russell Martin for defensive errors.

Just think he's another product of the English hype train. Much better options out there including one of which whom is already ours. I hope Pep comes in and has absolute control over transfers because those in charge currently have got it wrong too often in last few years.

+1. very valid point

 

[BlueKlaude]

Pep to not sign new full-backs, switch to 3-5-2, and play Sterling and Ox as wing-backs.