John Stones

[royalbalou]

Was mustard today, gutted for the lad

 

[The Cowboy]

Really good, especially that 2nd half.

Looked sublime when stepping into midfield, could be a top defensive mid if not for being a cb

Today was simply further proof of his utter unsuitability as a CB. Equally at fault for the first goal, yet strode forward wonderfully, as he's well known to do, looking to take the game to Utd from midfield. Would make a great centre mid of the Y Toure mould.

 

[Hangleton]

Would have been good in the old sweeper role.

 

[billy_the_blue]

Really good, especially that 2nd half.

Looked sublime when stepping into midfield, could be a top defensive mid if not for being a cb

Been thinking this for a while - with the costly errors etc, Moyes would have had him learning his game from defensive mid like he did with Rodwell. Would have given Barry a chance to rotate and have a rest instead of burning him out, I'm sure he gets the suspensions on purpose to get a rest!

Think Stones could really thrive as the defensive midfielder in a 4-1-4-1

 

[kithnou]

Brilliant 2nd half on the ball. Still has issues defending.

 

[bilyaletdinov_]

Need players like him at the club, Martinez has really let him down over these past 2 seasons

 

[ToffeeTim]

I genuinely think Stones could be a box to box player.

At first I thought the midfield shouts were utter madness but now I feel convinced. He drove us forward second half. He is a superb footballer. Utterly superb. And I think it's his position.

 

[sageyefc]

Been thinking this for a while - with the costly errors etc, Moyes would have had him learning his game from defensive mid like he did with Rodwell. Would have given Barry a chance to rotate and have a rest instead of burning him out, I'm sure he gets the suspensions on purpose to get a rest!

Think Stones could really thrive as the defensive midfielder in a 4-1-4-1

Id have him in midfield over mccarthy all day

 

[Zezti]

He improved massively in the 2nd. I've said before he'd make a great CDM and could be like Lampard if his passing gets better.
His issues are defending. Everything else he can do pretty damn well, so why is he a defender?

 

[hetion]

People on here get so excited to shut down any hints of Football Manager that proper discussion about it is stifled.

Maybe he'd make a good midfielder, maybe he wouldn't, lots of good players have made the move between the two though. Toure, Mascherano, Dier, Blind off the top of my head. It happens.

 

[allen]

I genuinely think Stones could be a box to box player.

At first I thought the midfield shouts were utter madness but now I feel convinced. He drove us forward second half. He is a superb footballer. Utterly superb. And I think it's his position.

His physique is that of a centre back, isn't it? You can't imagine someone looking like that playing anywhere else.

But I think you're right. Midfield may be right for him. It suits his sensibilities more, I think.

 

[Toffeelover]

I genuinely think Stones could be a box to box player.

At first I thought the midfield shouts were utter madness but now I feel convinced. He drove us forward second half. He is a superb footballer. Utterly superb. And I think it's his position.

I agree with you on that, I have said it before should be played in a Beckenbaur type role not at CB. Today I thought he showed he does still have the touches. Other clubs will be looking at him IMO and I hope we say NO.

 

[Darth Toffeeman]

Our best player. He has had a poorly managed season but he is top class and simply must be kept.

 

[The Cowboy]

I genuinely think Stones could be a box to box player.

At first I thought the midfield shouts were utter madness but now I feel convinced. He drove us forward second half. He is a superb footballer. Utterly superb. And I think it's his position.

Those awkward moments when he gets the ball and chews it. He only has two options - back to Joel, or try and play it out. Mess it up and you're in trouble.

Now imagine he's in the centre circle rather than inside the D. Imagine how many more options are available, and how much reduced the risk is. Stones could really flourish there, being able to utilise his undoubted skills in a lower risk scenario.

 

[BlueToff]

He was ace today. Absolutely ace.

Let the lad play and get on with it.

He's better than most players in the league at football.

he makes mistakes but he's 21.

The only one of our youngsters (barring Del when he came on) who showed up today and performed.