John Stones

[bluelegend]

Not reading the threat so will tell you as it was. Outstanding. He was the JS that I knew he is. And he played for the jersey. Good luck to him in his next venture.

 

[beachy]

Yeah libero if he stays.

 

[efc1111]

Loved his celebration after our goal, he jumped almost his own height in the air. Good to see, even if it didn't last.

 

[Walken]

I haven't read anything else written about today, but second half I thought he was tremendous, took more responsibility than anyone else on the pitch, started moves, made things happen, and showed so much promise at times it was just wonderful to watch, even in a team as lost as this, his potential is huge and there for all to see, any who dont see it should take up rugby league or some other grim sport that requires no class, because if you don't see it, you simply are not worthy

 

[Walken]

Also anyone who wants him in midfield just because he can actually play football, is a small minded dinosaur

 

[larrygobfiend]

Probably a mute point because he'll be gone in the summer, but how great would he be as a central defensive midfielder? Imagine a much bosses Dier.

Jurassic Park

 

[Walken]

Probably a mute point because he'll be gone in the summer, but how great would he be as a central defensive midfielder? Imagine a much bosses Dier.

Jurassic Park

 

[Darth Vader]

He's the LW we are crying out for

 

[Jonte]

Also anyone who wants him in midfield just because he can actually play football, is a small minded dinosaur

In your humblest of opinions, of course.

 

[Elong]

I haven't read anything else written about today, but second half I thought he was tremendous, took more responsibility than anyone else on the pitch, started moves, made things happen, and showed so much promise at times it was just wonderful to watch, even in a team as lost as this, his potential is huge and there for all to see, any who dont see it should take up rugby league or some other grim sport that requires no class, because if you don't see it, you simply are not worthy

He still lost us the game losing Martial.






Waits*

 

[Ollie d]

I agree that a defensive midfielder role doesn't look a bad shout. A position like the old Lothar Mattheus 'libero' or sweeper role even. Mattheus would often be found higher up the pitch like Stones today and picked out passes and he even chipped in with a few goals also.

When Stones is spraying balls out from the back four, he often gets caught out on the distance and as a result, we are then under pressure immediately. You can see the confidence drain from the lad, he gets nervous and the arms start to flap and wave at people.

However when he moved forward his confidence did appear to grow and his passing actually improved today from a midfield position. I recall him doing this more often last season when he was much more confident.

At the moment Stones makes a far better defensive midfielder than McCarthy (not saying much I know!), and today his passing in midfield was better than Barkley's!

But all this 'forward-planning' will be jibber-jabber anyway if Stones goes in the summer.

If he is played as the free man in a back 3 he could be excellent pushing forward with the ball and nipping in to intercept like Mattheus, that also prevents us being caught short if possession is lost.

 

[Eggs]

.....I just think he's a CB.

 

[ilikecheese]

.....I just think he's a CB.

Who is a defensive liability.

Until he:

1. Can prove he can consistently be a force in the air
2. Can prove he can consistently be switched on for marking

He was responsible for both men who scored for United, because he wasn't switched on 100% that it was his responsibility to mark them/stop them.

I love his ability with the ball...think he does stuff you never expect from a young CB. Until he improves his defensive skills (primarily an age/experience thing IMO), he is not a starting CB on a top team. Like Lescott before him, I reckon Stones being drilled as a RB or moved into a DM role would have been the better route for a very you man, rather than throwing him to the wolves in a older more mature position like CB...especially in RM's system where CB's can get so isolated.

 

[gazzaa2]

Also anyone who wants him in midfield just because he can actually play football, is a small minded dinosaur

Why play a good footballer that isn't a good defender in defence?

 

[Eggs]

Who is a defensive liability.

Until he:

1. Can prove he can consistently be a force in the air
2. Can prove he can consistently be switched on for marking

He was responsible for both men who scored for United, because he wasn't switched on 100% that it was his responsibility to mark them/stop them.

I love his ability with the ball...think he does stuff you never expect from a young CB. Until he improves his defensive skills (primarily an age/experience thing IMO), he is not a starting CB on a top team. Like Lescott before him, I reckon Stones being drilled as a RB or moved into a DM role would have been the better route for a very you man, rather than throwing him to the wolves in a older more mature position like CB...especially in RM's system where CB's can get so isolated.

.....I wouldn't make any excuses for his performances this season.