John Stones

[DanEFC92]

you're aware of how horribly slow hibbert is right? besides that, stones had a decent game. given, he was exposed defensively a few times, I thought he provided an excellent outlet from defense that was desperately needed. can't blame the lid for being caught in possession a few times when we're being utterly overrun.

Stones is quite slow too, like.
And eh, he wasn't the worst player on the pitch but wouldn't say he had a decent game.

 

[DanEFC92]

personally i would say so is stones, he also adds height against a known set piece team, saying we should have picked hibbert after the fact because stones had a less than perfect game is all well and good, but i back berto on this one, it was the right call

It's not after the fact. I was nervous about him starting before the game, recalling back to the Goodison game when he struggled.

 

[Walken]

It's not after the fact. I was nervous about him starting before the game, recalling back to the Goodison game when he struggled.

he will be better for it in the long run mate, if we are to prosper under this joke of a boardroom, we can't turn to relics like hibbert because we are afraid, it cost moyes at our biggest moments, not hibbert specifically but that attitude, i genuinely don't think hibbert would have fared any better, we may have lost 3 nil instead of four, but had we got a foothold in the game stones would have been the better asset

 

[Christiffa25]

Think the lad showed he's got a lot to learn, he's not really ready for the big big games and certainly that his future is at CB rather than RB. Not that he was really helped by the shambles that the defence was last night.

 

[messymascot]

I think we should have played Hibbert RB and Stones CB. Stones superior pace in middle would have been of benefit. Before tonight Stones had never played at RB in Premier League it is totally different to playing there in Championship, U21 's and friendlies. Being out of position will be exposed every time. Hibbert isn't as quick but his game sense would have meant he wouldn't have gone so far up field. Stones should start against Villa as I believe taking him out could destroy his confidence but it should be at CB.

 

[Christiffa25]

I think we should have played Hibbert RB and Stones CB. Stones superior pace in middle would have been of benefit. Before tonight Stones had never played at RB in Premier League it is totally different to playing there in Championship, U21 's and friendlies. Being out of position will be exposed every time. Hibbert isn't as quick but his game sense would have meant he wouldn't have gone so far up field. Stones should start against Villa as I believe taking him out could destroy his confidence but it should be at CB.

I agree and I'm sure Roberto agree's after the game has taken place. Tbh if that high line was tactical it was suicidal by Martinez. It's something he did with Wigan on several occassions and got hammered everytime!

Note: Do NOT play alcaraz against fast pacy strikers. Really not his thing!

 

[Azzurri]

Looked out of his depth.

 

[flibbyflob]

Isn't a right back in anything but an emergency and seeing as we had an experienced one on the bench it was a mistake to play him. Hope he learns from this as he has masses of potential and is still a very raw kid with a great future.

 

[Ashtonluke]

If he is going to realise the potential we all feel he has, games like this are part of the learning curve. Any notion of playing Hibbert is laughable, he is shocking and offers nothing on the ball. Stones was no better or worse than a few players last night. He has to play and learn. Martinez has put his faith in him and we will get the benefits in the years to come.

 

[finleyfreyaseth]

Stones is a CB well before last nights game ,hed have gained far more experience playing alongside jagielka last night as alacaraz is by far the slowest and poorest cb ive seen,we had natural RB in Hibbert to cover for Coleman ,in my opinion last night was Martinez,s biggest tactical and team selection since hes been here and im sure he,ll learn from this.

 

[footballcrazy]

He has all the tools to become international CB. People have to remember he was playing against two inform strikers and that too not in his natural position. He'll learn from it and become better player for it.

 

[jungleburger]

I think it's a little unfair to single out Stones. Granted he got caught in possession a few times in a right wing position. But Liverpool set out to entice our full backs out of defence by leaving loads of space in front of them. This left two lightning quick forwards to run at will at two slow centre halves. It was a game plan and it we were suckered in to it.

I've emboldened "right wing", because I think he was effectively playing as winger for most of the game.

Funnily enough he actually looked a lot better when McGeady came on. McGeady offered Stones a little more protection and effectively played in front of him occupying L'pools fullback and helped him when we were under pressure. Personally I think McGeady is going to be some player for us.

 

[blueser]

think we all know he is not a rb

 

[Big Fat Sam]

If he is going to realise the potential we all feel he has, games like this are part of the learning curve. Any notion of playing Hibbert is laughable, he is shocking and offers nothing on the ball. Stones was no better or worse than a few players last night. He has to play and learn. Martinez has put his faith in him and we will get the benefits in the years to come.

This with sprinkles on top.

High five mate.

 

[Toffeelover]

Now we know he is not a FB. All very well with hindsight to say should have played HIbbert but I wonder if Stones had done well what would you have been saying then.