I spoke with the editor, Scott Morris, from our sister site, Read Everton, about Pep Guardiola’s latest addition to his Manchester City squad – John Stones.
£47.5m is a bit excessive for a player that endured a treacherous 2015/16, do you think that Stones is worth it?
In my opinion, and what I think is the opinion of a lot of our fans is that the fee is too tempting and cannot be rejected. Instead of him actually being worth that much, rather it is the club’s new found finance that has enabled us to keep some of our best players. Couple the potential with the lack of need to sell and that’s where you would think the £47.5 million fee has come from. In terms of his ability, John is still very much fine tuning a lot of his skills but his showing in the 14/15 season is a certain indication that the kid is on for big things. If I had to give an answer, I would say currently he is not worth that, but with the potential he has I can see why Pep is so desperate to land him.
We all know that Stones is primarily a centre-back, but can he play in any other positions?
As well as in the middle of defence, John can also play at right back Although, has not exactly shone in his showing’s there through the past season. He was primarily played as a full-back for Barnsley and no doubt he could fill in there if need be.
Does Stones have any injury concerns whatsoever?
No, not that we know of. Apart from the odd niggle, John has not really sustained any long-term injuries or any serious injuries during his time at the club.
With the likes of Vincent Kompany and Nicolas Otamendi to contest with for a first-team spot at the Etihad, do you think that Stones will settle being a back-up for his first season?
I think it very much rests on the injury concerns of Vincent Kompany. I rated the Belgian as one of the best centre-backs in world football not too long ago but injury problems have really held him back for a while now. If the Belgian is injured, there is no doubting that Stones would fill in over other defenders such as Mangala. In terms of if Kompany is fit, it will be a difficult task for John, but you cannot pay £47.5m million for a bench player, I would expect him and Otamendi to rotate.
There have been rumours that Stones told Everton that he wanted to leave to join City. Should City fans be concerned by the disloyalty that he has shown to Everton?
Unfortunately, there is no loyalty in modern football, but I don’t think anyone will blame him for moving especially since the deal is good for all parties. John was not brought up through the academy so does not support us in any way, and even though he gave him his breakthrough there is no doubt he is likely to go on to bigger and better things as well as repaying our faith in him with a hefty transfer fee. Coupled with rejecting his transfer request last year, you could not have rejected it for a second consecutive season; you can’t hold a player back from his desires.
Guardiola is clearly a big fan of Stones as he has been one of City’s biggest targets this summer – do you think that Guardiola can shape him into the ball-playing centre-back that he loves?
Certainly. Watching John often, you get to see just how graceful he can be on the ball. He is fearless in the fact that even with media criticism, he will do what he feels is best within a game and that is often, to bring the ball out of defence and get the attack moving. His only issue last year, is that he was involved in a defence that was horrifically managed by Roberto Martinez. Under Pep, who can really zone in on his key attributes and improve them, I think he can certainly go on to be one of the best ball-playing centre-backs in the league – maybe in Europe.
And finally, just how good can Stones become?
Price tag and pressure on him to succeed aside, I still think he is destined for the very top of world football. Not many fans see it looking in from the outside as the only time he gets media coverage is when he does something wrong. They don’t cover the brilliant dribbles in defence that take 4 players out of the game before playing it into midfield, or his curving passes from the right-side of defence that will get the ball straight up to the winger. Top that off with his brilliant sliding tackle ability, his last ditch tackle ability and his decent aerial threat and he nearly has it all. At only 22, he’s as good of a centre back as I’ve seen at Goodison for a while on his day. Fine tuned by Pep, he is certainly destined for big things.
Thanks to Scott Morris from Read Everton, who kindly gave up his time to speak to us.
