John Stones

[II McColl II]

Did the work for Gibson in the 2nd half and its the best hes played all season. Defensively there is still question marks about him and the 2nd goal was prime example of that with him getting pulled out of position and not recovering but in fairness whenever he went out to a man Gibson would sit in and at the end he could barely move.

Its possible he could make the move to midfield like Dier but i still think under the right management he could become a top level CB. Everyone knows Martinez isn't the right man for him, even the passing style is wrong as hes at his best when he carries the ball out not passing it around our penalty area and under the likes of Dennis Lawrence who's claim to fame is Trinidad & Tobago's best CB in his career is hardly the level of coaching which is going to improve the lad on his defensive positioning.

Was just good to see him in the 2nd half looking a bit like the player he was when he first broke through.

 

[BlueToff]

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

He made about 10 superb tackles/blocks throughout the game mate.

Their second goal was a bit of luck/Jags diving in. Had nothing to do with Stones. Martial had the yard on him.

First goal Baines completely switched off and stopped following Fellaini and Besic got skinned.

 

[Jamiednm]

Showed that he can be great as a defensive midfielder, as I've been saying for ages. he hasn't got the concentration to be a centre back. Some of his play in the second half was exemplary, but I'll class that as the exception at the moment, rather than the norm.

 

[Tennessee Blue Mike]

Damn he played well today. Please put him and keep in midfield and keep him there for the rest of the season. Why would it hurt?

 

[Trimboy12]

Defensive midfielder like dyer for Spurs

 

[banno]

Got to agree with the midfield shout but cannot see it happening. Think Baines should also be moved there.

 

[Deleted member 28206]

Got to agree with the midfield shout but cannot see it happening. Think Baines should also be moved there.

Baines needs retiring, he's finished.

 

[Eggs]

Baines needs retiring, he's finished.

...I wouldn't write him off, he plays best with a 'buddy' in front of him not green, green grass.

 

[Deleted member 28206]

...I wouldn't write him off, he plays best with a 'buddy' in front of him not green, green grass.

Lost his pace, which is 90% of what a LB needs, his ability to get forward was his bread and butter. He can't do that anymore.

 

[d34noj]

Someone in front of him to bounce off/1-2's and quick insisive passes to open up defences or make a yard of space to whip a cross in.

 

[arch stanton]

Defensive midfielder like dyer for Spurs

We used to have a player like that but think he was called dier.

 

[ToffeeTim]

...I wouldn't write him off, he plays best with a 'buddy' in front of him not green, green grass.

Not writing him off at all mate. In fact think he could be an utterly superb midfielder. He drove us forward second half like dare I say Gerrard did for the RS at times.

He's a sensational footballer. Just not a centre half for me. Dier is exceptional but our Stones could be better in that role. His passing is top drawer.

 

[banno]

Baines needs retiring, he's finished.

As a defender I agree with you but midfield could give him a new lease. I could see him doing just as good if not better job than McCarthy

 

[roydo]

As a defender I agree with you but midfield could give him a new lease. I could see him doing just as good if not better job than McCarthy

Tend to agree. Especially after today.

 

[Moomin]

He is a brilliant centre back, he could play in midfield but he'd be wasted. He is a defender, he reads the game superbly.