Had you been reading the views of many media outlets over the last few weeks, you’d have thought John Stones had gone on a mass Twitter attack against British journalists- such was the extent of criticism against him after his performance in England’s 3-0 victory over Scotland on Friday.
Granted, there are aspects of the 22 year-olds game that need improving. Most notably his tendency to pick the wrong pass while slaloming through opposition players and contemplating on the ball for too long seem to be the two features of his game that have been annoying the most pundits.
But what these so called broadcasting professionals fail to realise is his age. Mistakes are inevitable in a player being introduced to this ‘playing out from the back’ theory. Cultures can clash when a player joins up with a national side that does not frequently play in the same way.
Tonight, Stones made sure that there were no silly articles from previous England internationals entitled ‘Stones needs to sure up his game’. Yes, he’s got a lot to learn, but hasn’t every young player?
England were held in a pulsating 2-2 draw with Spain on Tuesday evening; a game played at such a pace you’d expect in a competitive fixture. Gareth Southgate’s men were 2-0 up and looking dangerous on the counter before two late Spanish goals, one in the 96th minute, ensured a share of the spoils. But despite the lack of concentration towards the end, Stones was frequently called out and praised for his performance, and rightly so.
Tasked with holding off the intricate front three of Juan Mata, Aduriz and City team-mate David Silva, Stones was assured and confident in defence, clearing almost anything that came his way and making some important blocks to deny a few clear-cut Spanish chances. His presence helped ensure England held off the threat posed by the Spaniards- he looked comfortable on the ball and very rarely gave it away this evening.
He was able to bring the ball out from the back well on a number of occasions looking to start attacks, and when in motion, knew he had cover from the makeshift Eric Dier who filled in at centre-back for his temporary absence, allowing Stones more freedom.
Perhaps he could have got tighter to Iago Aspas for Spain’s first goal, but overall his performance was one of real merit and spirit- a performance which is sure to fill Pep Guardiola with optimism against one of the best international sides around; albeit only in a friendly, but impressive nonetheless.
One thing that will not help his game is constant criticism from the media and fans after a few shaky displays. We saw what that did to Raheem Sterling towards the back end of last season. He needs to be given the confidence to roam and play the way he has been taught- it is just hoped that he knows when to take drastic action and go for the ‘anywhere will do’ principle when the time comes.
The potential is clearly there from both a City and England perspective. Tonight showed serious glimpses of his defensive duties and ability to do the dirty work, sticking his foot in and making blocks, preventing Spanish opportunities as well as playing the ball neatly around the back four.
He may need some time to sure up areas of his game, but finding a player with no faults will have you searching for an eternity.
