Good afternoon all. Interesting reading your comments, I for one am extremely happy with the signing, I'm not going to come on here and pretend I've watched John Stones every minute of every game over the past 12 months so interesting to hear your views on his lack of defensive ability - As everyone seems to agree though, he is an extremley talented ball player with huge potential. Personally I think it's a very good deal all round - Pep gets the player he's wanted since the start (it seems), Everton get a very good price for a 22 year old Defender and JS gets the move he clearly wanted.
I believe if there is a Manager in world football to help him reach his potential, Pep is that Manager - I really do think he will thrive our team. Even if is defending isn't the best at the moment, he's young and still learning his trade - In all honesty, I don't actually think he was signed for his defending (Seems strange saying that about a CB!) but for his clear ability to bring the ball out of defence and link with the midfield - something Pep has had in previous sides and one of the reasons his tactics have been so successful.
It will be interesting to see how he develops but I feel this is a signing we desperately needed. Anything is an improvement on Mangala trust me. If (And it's a big IF) we can get Kompany fit, these 2 at CB could be a great partnership.
On a separate note, good to see a big % on here wishing him well or at the very least not ripping him to shreds - a team on the other side of Stanley Park could learn a thing or 2.
If you had come here in 2009 and post that about our best defender in Joleon Lescott. I would have told you to p1ss off. Especially since it would be a post that would seem like your taking the p1ss. But this certainly isn't.
Because back then Lescott was our player of the year. He was rock solid, not only was he awesome at defending set pieces, but he was scoring 10 goals a season. I was gutted.
But now? Stones for 50m? I'm more than happy with that.
I honestly hope Stones careers doesn't go backwards at City, like Lescotts did. And I mean that in terms of performances, because Lescott was an absolute rock for us, but not so much at City.
Stones on the other hand at times has been a downright liability. You are definitely not getting a solid defender. Stones has tones of pace, and can pass from the back, he can also do some great last ditch defending (normally following the initial mistake he has made). But in my opinion his best position is actually defensive midfield.
To be honest, if City's defence needs improving NOW. Then why the hell have they not gone out and bought our two transfer targets in Kone or Williams?
Stones will not improve your defence. Maybe in a couple of years time when he has learned how to position, not to switch off, defend at set pieces etc etc and basically do the basics.
I wish him well and good luck for next season. Maybe you are getting a diamond, but boy does he need polishing.