- Richard Dunne praises John Stones
- Erling Haaland backed for physical era
- Former Man City captain gives verdict
Richard Dunne has praised two of Manchester City’s standout modern players after being asked about John Stones and Erling Haaland.
Man City’s current squad is built very differently from the team Richard Dunne captained during his time at the club.
The former defender played in a more physical Premier League, where centre-backs and strikers were often judged through duels, aerial battles and defensive toughness.
Pep Guardiola’s City, by contrast have become the defining technical team of the modern English game. Likewise, players are asked to take on roles that barely existed in the same way during Dunne’s era.
Richard Dunne praises John Stones reinvention
Speaking exclusively to Read Man City via Freebets.com, the home of the best betting sites, Richard Dunne passed his verdict on present-day Sky Blues defenders.
We asked the former City captain about his favourite defender to watch among Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol and John Stones.
“It has to be John Stones. He has reinvented the centre back position and the way he plays that role with such ease is excellent to watch,” Dunne responded.
The Irishman also praised Stones’ achievements with the club, his ability on the ball, and defensive toughness.
“He oozes class in centre back position and was key to many trophies the club has won. He is so comfortable on the ball, but can defend well, strong in the air and very mobile. So Stones for sure, and being English, he has been a joy to watch,” Dunne added.
Dunne backs Erling Haaland to thrive in physical Premier League era
Likewise, Dunne also liked Erling Haaland’s profile, who seems like a complete striker for the former defender.
We asked Dunne, “You played in a far more physical Premier League. Which current Manchester City player do you think would have handled that era best?”
“I think this one is easy. Haaland for sure. You see how strong he is with the current centre halves, back in our day, when it was more physical, he would have no problem going up against the best defenders in my era when I played,” Dunne claimed.
He added, “He is a clever striker, top finisher, very strong in the air and with his back to goal too. So yes, Haaland for sure.”
Stones shows how much the centre-back role has changed
Stones left a good impression on Dunne because of the Englishman’s ability to do it all. The Man City defender can do all the things Dunne did in his era, and also control possession.
Under Guardiola, Stones has been asked to step into midfield and also give the Citizens an extra player in the central areas.
The Englishman has also been one of the best examples of how Guardiola has changed the role of an elite centre-back.
Haaland would have translated across eras
Likewise, Haaland’s game would also translate across any Premier League era. His pace, power, movement, aerial threat and ruthless finishing can be employed in any system.
The Norwegian has the profile of a timeless striker. He also remains one of the few modern forwards who could go toe to toe with centre-backs of Dunne’s era.
Haaland’s positioning and intelligence, apart from his physique, would’ve made him a perfect poacher for early Premeir League era.
