John Stones

[Mikey_Fitzgerald]

Stones wasn't the finished article when he was with us, and he would have probably benefitted from playing under a more defensively astute manager than Martinez, but you could see the potential he had

I've no idea how he would have developed had he stayed at Everton, but he's become a cracking player at City, no doubt

 

[verreauxi]

If I remember rightly the crowds reaction was more of a panic no boos at all and stones reaction was more of a calm down motion to the park end

I remember the park end getting on his back, when he was playing the ball out of defence, Stones turned and told them to calm down, Fact.

In replaying this memory over the years in my head on occasion, what you both say actually makes much more sense. I shouldn't have said "boos" as it was more like hissing/panic.

So much for my career as a trial witness.

 

[royalblue66]

In replaying this memory over the years in my head on occasion, what you both say actually makes much more sense. I shouldn't have said "boos" as it was more like hissing/panic.

So much for my career as a trial witness.

It was something like, he’s behind you, sort of thing,,

 

[duncs pigeon]

Stones wasn't the finished article when he was with us, and he would have probably benefitted from playing under a more defensively astute manager than Martinez, but you could see the potential he had

I've no idea how he would have developed had he stayed at Everton, but he's become a cracking player at City, no doubt

Players like him dont really reach their peak until they are 26/27. Rio Ferdinand was the same, became world class after his mid 20s.

 

[Jeff Jones]

We sold him far too cheaply IMO - always going to be a class act - he could even play in midfield for us, hes that good -

I don't remember whether it was here or on 'Kipper, but I said that he will be a top midfielder one day.

 

[Yarrgh]

View attachment 212578

1/2 CB? What like Virgil van Bader?

 

[DualityNSNO]

I genuinely think that pairing would have been great mate

They compliment each other perfectly

Stones is this skilful technical footballer who can both defend and play the ball to feet, whilst Duffy is a strong defensive player who is good in the air

Combined I think that's a defensive duo that could do everything

Except defend.

Duffy is good in the air cuz he's tall, his positioning is meh and he's somehow slower to turn than Michael Keane.

Stones isn't a "proper CB" whatever that means but he's technically gifted which means he also can't really defend well.

If they were the pairing for Man City who have the ball 70% of the time - yeah, they'd be okay. Anyone that's not so ball dominant though?

My favourite highlight of his defending prowess was not knowing how to react to this backpass and subsequently being an absolute tugboat to both turn AND cover ground back.

 

[roydo]

I don't remember whether it was here or on 'Kipper, but I said that he will be a top midfielder one day.

@davek certainly did, early days in his Everton career.

 

[degsy]

I remember the park end getting on his back, when he was playing the ball out of defence, Stones turned and told them to calm down, Fact.

Look at the clip again, he was step-overing himself nearer and nearer to his own goal line.
It was only the Reff giving him the softest of soft fouls due to the attacker snapping at his heels that baled him out - he would've ended up walking the ball into his own 'kin net

 

[hashbike]

Was brilliant in the Fa cup semi against Utd when pushed up to play in the midfield. What a player

 

[Hinchcliffe's Corner]

Currently my motm in this champ league final, and Evertonians booed him when he played for us.

 

[allen]

Bossing midfield in a Champions League final.

Madness. What a player.

 

[BlueStevie35]

Rolls Royce of a player now thanks to Pep’s coaching, wish we’d held on to him longer @Moomin

 

[Royal]

Happy for him and only him tonight tbh

 

[davids]

Bonus written into his transfer fee for CL win? ...it's us so no.