John Stones has completely transformed his Manchester City career and is becoming an ever-present in a side that are now favourites for the Premier League.
When Nathan Ake and Ruben Dias were brought in this summer for a combined £100million, many touted Stones to follow Nicolas Otamendi out the door. However, a recent uptick in form has seen the Englishman cement his place in Pep Guardiola’s starting XI.
His excellent display against Crystal Palace Sunday evening, where he scored his first two goals for the club, further increased his chances of starting even when Aymeric Laporte returns.
Since late November, the 26-year-old has evaded Guardiola’s continual squad rotation (frustrating for us fantasy football managers) and has partnered the impressive Dias.
In all competitions, this newly found centre-back pairing has only conceded one goal in 10 games. In fact, Stones has kept seven league clean sheets in his nine league starts.
With Laporte and Ake returning from their injuries soon, the England international will know he has to keep up these colossal performances that have seen City climb the league table.
Guardiola’s side sit just two points behind their neighbours Manchester United but, if they win their game in hand, they will leapfrog United and sit at the top of the table.
Ever since their 2-0 defeat by Tottenham Hotspur in November, Stones has started eight out of the nine league games and has only dropped points against rivals Man United in a 0-0 draw mid-December.
Last season, Stones could only manage 12 starts in the league and Champions League, albeit mainly due to injury, which led many to believe his days at the four-time Premier League champions to be numbered. But he has recently become one of their most important players as they look to win another league title and the elusive Champions League.
Also, with the delayed European Championship now being held this year if Stones continues his rejuvenation he may go into the tournament as England’s best defender.
Having joined City four-and-a-half years ago the Englishman’s form has constantly yo-yoed, previously making key errors on multiple occasions. However, so far, he has seemingly eradicated these mistakes and has helped his side develop into a sturdier outfit.
Guardiola has eliminated City’s previous exposure to the counter-attack which hindered them all last season and at the beginning of this season.
Although injuries to fellow centre backs have led to Stones gaining an opportunity, the 26-year-old has taken his chance and has rebuilt his career at one of the best teams in the world.
Morphing into a consistent and stable defender, Stones can help guide Manchester City to another league title and perhaps even play a key role at this year’s European Championship.
By Jon Bazley
