Stones & Dias Partnership

[Cheadle_hulmeBlue]

It's all about Stones, whoever he plays with he makes them look better.

Completely agree. Stones is so underrated. He’s consistently been one of our best defenders and has been an integral part of our league wins.

As you say he makes others look good

 

[mat]

Might be a fitness thing ?

We don't know how fit they are, the club obviously do.

That's my suspicion also.

 

[Del_Bosque]

Because we don’t have a left footed left back.

Pep is all about balance. 2 right footed CB’s and a right footed LB and LW. Noway he’d have that.

Personally think they should be starting every game at CB when they are fit.

Absolutely fucking pony decision by the transfer lot to not sign a quality left back this summer. As bad as letting Kompany go and not replacing him for 12 months.

 

[lasereyes]

This is absolutely true (I'm fully expecting a Maguire renaissance at the world cup followed by widespread confusion when the form doesn't continue afterwards) but I think, except for the left foot/right foot thing, Dias is his most natural partner at the club, because they're the most different so they offer different things.

Stones could be Paolo Maldini and he couldnt make that tub of lard look good.

 

[Lauz9888]

Stones could be Paolo Maldini and he couldnt make that tub of lard look good.

I think Maguire often looks decent for England. With the protection of a relatively stable defensive structure, a defensively minded central midfield, a settled CB partnership with Stones and the backing of a manager who believes in him, he's pretty good. Not fantastic, not a world-beater, but good enough that I get why he keeps being picked.

 

[Brightwell Bros.]

I think Maguire often looks decent for England. With the protection of a relatively stable defensive structure, a defensively minded central midfield, a settled CB partnership with Stones and the backing of a manager who believes in him, he's pretty good. Not fantastic, not a world-beater, but good enough that I get why he keeps being picked.

International football - slower, playing deeper, less of a press due to the heat etc - also doesn't hurt.

 

[Dave Ewing's Back 'eader]

When I saw the heading I thought they were after shacking up together.

More likely were they playing in the FAWSL.

 

[Ignominious]

I thought it was interesting that Laporte was paired with Rodri in defence for the recent Spain vs Germany game. I will be hoping to see more of this defensive partnership during the World Cup to determine how effective it is and whether it could be replicated at City as I could easily see Rodri moving into defence permanently with us at some stage during his career as his 'pace' reduces and plus significant injuries to other team mates might require further cover.

It would also injuries to enable Phillips to play more regularly too as he recovers from his shoulder operation and requires more game time.

 

[normskih]

We’re going to have some first and second eleven if everyone stays fit:)

 

[crystal_mais]

I'm not sure Dias is as good on the ball or as quick as the others. He is pressed alot more than the others in my opinion because of his technical ability.