I'm not sure why the story of Otamendi being a "flop" has started to become a widespread opinion. He was brilliant at times last season, and when he wasn't great, you could nearly always put it down to Pellegrini's mad defensive set up forcing him to jump out of the line.
Under Pep, and with a season to get used to England and the team, I expect he'll make a few people writing him off look pretty silly.
He got a few minutes against Iceland from memory. But all footballers need a break he was in full training through the Euros and his body and mind will need some down time. Pep himself has commented on the ridiculous requirements made on today's footballers. Having said all that, there seem to be a large number of stories in the press that we are willing to let him go. I think you are right and doubt he figures in. Pep's plans.I could be wrong but I don't remember Mangala getting so much as one minute on the pitch at the Euros. He can't exactly be "tired". I think all the signs are that he simply doesn't figure in Pep's plans. Which is why he's very determined to get Stones. Because if you can't rely on Vinny (and apparently, sadly, you can't) for fitness, that leaves us with Otamendi and, basically, the kids. Not a very good way to go into qualifying games for the CL, to say the least.
My main issue with Otamendi is his being on his arse too much .... When you are the last defender your decision making has to be spot on and staying on your feet/jockeying/slowing down an attacker is an important part of defending, he only seems to have one mode which is diving in and trying to win the ball just about every time.
Id disagree about Mangala being as match fit as stones. The last time Mangala would of played 90 minutes will be coming up to 3 months by the time the season starts , at least stones has been getting match fit at Everton
Otamendi needs a competent CB to partner him. When one CB surges, the other needs to cover for him. Mangala doesn't have the smart to make this decision in a matter of split seconds. Not a coincidence why Nico looks world class alongside Kompany and not so good with Mangala and Otamendi. I have complete confidence that Stones has enough smart to complement Nico's aggresive defending. If you watch Rio Ferdinand's video where he was talking to England youth players, he mentioned that he and Vidic worked very well because they just knew when to cover for each other without even saying anything. But I'm with you, I think Otamendi will be world class under Pep and will be a mainstay with Stones. Otamendi's ball playing skills ain't too shabby either.I understand why people complain about being on his arse too much. I only ask that people give him a little credit when it's due. The dortmund game for example. I didn't see him getting any mention at all on twitter, here, or on the reddit site until I pointed it out. We knew what we were getting when we signed him and I'm sure he'll turn heads this year under direction from Pep. I guess you either love him or hate him. If you hate him it's tough to appreciate his style when he's doing well and if you love him you dismiss his mistakes. My two cents. Probably best to get it back on topic to Stones here shortly.
You do realize they still train when they are at the euros?I could be wrong but I don't remember Mangala getting so much as one minute on the pitch at the Euros. He can't exactly be "tired". I think all the signs are that he simply doesn't figure in Pep's plans. Which is why he's very determined to get Stones. Because if you can't rely on Vinny (and apparently, sadly, you can't) for fitness, that leaves us with Otamendi and, basically, the kids. Not a very good way to go into qualifying games for the CL, to say the least.
Highest market value:Last change:
£25.50m Feb 9, 2016
Walk away if they want more than he's worth i say..
http://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/john-stones/profil/spieler/186590
Anyone who uses transfermarkt (they can't even spell market ffs) to value players should not talk about transfers. At all. Ever.
Im not sure why we are even talking about the fee. The market has gone mad. If pep wants him we pay what we think is correct or move on. If its 40m 50m and we win trophys with him then the fee will be forgotten