John Stones

[Omnia Vincit Riot]

Do you think Denayer is better than Stones? Serious question. Not seen anything of him on loan. Big statement though.

Stones is better than Denayer, but he's not £40-£50 million better. He's marginally better than Otamendi & Mangala, both of whom may well become better than Stones with Pep coaching them.

Basically, I think Stones is ok but not worth what we'd have to pay. I'd much rather we used the money towards Pogba.

 

[sk3ptical]

Stones is better than Denayer, but he's not £40-£50 million better. He's marginally better than Otamendi & Mangala, both of whom may well become better than Stones with Pep coaching them.

Basically, I think Stones is ok but not worth what we'd have to pay. I'd much rather we used the money towards Pogba.

lol

 

[remember arthur mann]

We are good at signing those types of players going back a long way......

Just a shit Jack Rodwell !! er, er.

 

[Phil1]

We're gonna see what his mentality is like if nothing else. Especially if he misses out on the Euros. The boy was being lauded to high heaven six months ago and now he's just a shit Boyata. It's an unforgiving position CB - let's see what he's made of. Personally I'd rather not be the club that might have to pick up the pieces.

 

[FantasyIreland]

Stones is better than Denayer

At what?

 

[RichardDunneOwnGoal]

At what?

Giving the ball away in key areas and failing to recognise danger.

 

[aguero93:20]

At what?

Being English and being on the Everton hype train.

 

[Exeter Blue I am here]

Giving the ball away in key areas and failing to recognise danger.

It's a big concern, because we certainly seem to be interested in him. He's very accomplished in terms of ability on the ball, but it leads to him taking risks that less talented footballers might not, and to be honest I've had a bellyful of gaffe ridden centre halves. I would say that I long for a Huth or a Shawcross, a thug that likes tackling, being aggressive and bouncing centre forwards off the ball, but alas I suspect such a player would not suit Pep's preferred MO

 

[FogBlueInSanFran]

A thug that likes tackling, being aggressive and bouncing centre forwards off the ball, but alas I suspect such a player would not suit Pep's preferred MO

I want that too, but preferably at DM in front of two CBs who have ability on the ball.

 

[aguero93:20]

I would say that I long for a Huth or a Shawcross, a thug that likes tackling, being aggressive and bouncing centre forwards off the ball, but alas I suspect such a player would not suit Pep's preferred MO

Puyol could do both, as can Vinny (fit), Ramos, Silva, Terry could in his younger days, the skill set should take priority. If you want a centre half that's great on the ball, find a great defender who's also great on the ball. If you want somebody who can't defend for shit but can pass, play Spanish Dave at centre half.

 

[Bilboblue]

Do you think Denayer is better than Stones? Serious question. Not seen anything of him on loan. Big statement though.

I do.

 

[Burtonblue]

I'd sooner give Denayer the chance than spunk another £40m on another shite centre half that's far from the finished product but may eventually become something worth relying on.

Stones only real standout ability is playing it out the back (when he isn't giving it away in key areas), that's a strength to Denayer's game as well.

Denayer deserves his chance.

Spot on!

 

[Lkzerinho]

Lots wanted Sterling too at any price. We are mad. Mad I tell you!

I feel sterling was another player Pep asked for. Was interested in bringing him to Bayern when he first went there.

 

[Millwallawayveteran1988]

Giving the ball away in key areas and failing to recognise danger.

He will fit in well with out two CB's then!

 

[supercity88]

Stones has done nothing to suggest he's good enough to play for City. Whilst it's good to build for the future I'd much rather we paid huge sums on proven quality at centre back rather than keep discussing defenders that are performing below standard, making mistakes but "will improve with more experience". We've got Denayer on our books, he's been trusted enough to play for a Belgian side full of decent defenders, he might not have set the world alight on his latest loan (but has been injured several times) and he deserves his chance to establish himself at City.

We need to utilise what we have and test it before we dismiss it. Some players might impress for a season and drop off, others might impress on loan and then fail to establish themselves with us - you never know.

 

[Dax777]

Before the Chelsea scenario everyone on here would have taken him. You rarely get centre halves of his age being stand outs in the premier league. Watch our game at Goodison at the start of the season. He was excellent and we were flying at the time.

First time I paid attention to him. As "A.", who sadly doesn't post as much anymore, went on and on about him last season. I figured, I should go pay attention to this guy. Was Impressive against us, and most matches I've watched of him.

 

[Dax777]

Good point. Well made.

Not really. lots didn't want Pogba at 20 million 3 years ago either. This doesn't mean it is always right or always wrong.

 

[Dax777]

I'd sooner give Denayer the chance than spunk another £40m on another shite centre half that's far from the finished product but may eventually become something worth relying on.

Stones only real standout ability is playing it out the back (when he isn't giving it away in key areas), that's a strength to Denayer's game as well.

Denayer deserves his chance.

But that wasn't the question though.

 

[Dax777]

Stones is better than Denayer, but he's not £40-£50 million better. He's marginally better than Otamendi & Mangala, both of whom may well become better than Stones with Pep coaching them.

Basically, I think Stones is ok but not worth what we'd have to pay. I'd much rather we used the money towards Pogba.

Appreciate the money argument.

 

[CityFan94]

Stones is only rated higher than Denayer because he's English and plays in the Premier League.

Denayer was absolutely excellent last season for Celtic, he looked even better than van Dijk, who has gone on to do very well at Southampton. Denayer is also a regular in the Belgian squad, which is full of top centre backs like Kompany, Alderweireld and Vertonghen.

Denayer is a super young talent, one of the best U21 centre backs in Europe. He needs to be given an opportunity next season and I'm convinced he will. Pep will love him, he's got everything Pep wants from a centre back.