John Stones

[ToffeeTim]

I have no stats

but I intuitively believe that 2 x defensive minded CBs will be better for the team. Of course the inference being that Stones first instincts are not defensive.

What is your reason to challenge this assertion?

Obviously it's all opinions and we havent really seen much of funes but my gut feeling is that based on what I've seen, jags is a good foil for stones in that he is a more traditional old fashioned style center half. Jags is good at smelling danger and postionally a better player. He can cover and mop up behind stones, allowing him to play his more natural game. But not saying funes has been poor by any means. Although jury still out imo

 

[bignev23]

I recon the kid is just missing a veteran, someone to guide him a bit, help him out when he's showing immaturity. it's been a young and fairly inexperienced back four at times this season like.

 

[Shagster]

Obviously it's all opinions and we havent really seen much of funes but my gut feeling is that based on what I've seen, jags is a good foil for stones in that he is a more traditional old fashioned style center half. Jags is good at smelling danger and postionally a better player. He can cover and mop up behind stones, allowing him to play his more natural game. But not saying funes has been poor by any means. Although jury still out imo

I can't disagree with that bit

Far fetched but I really believe that Stones immediate future should lie in defensive midfield for us ...third centre back at a push

 

[Ihaters]

Stones is ace, really not one of the players that deserves being turned on. Had a poorer game today but was still excellent compared to most defenders. Stopped plenty of dangerous play, and played his way out of plenty of dodgy situations.

 

[jinkyali]

Stones is ace, really not one of the players that deserves being turned on. Had a poorer game today but was still excellent compared to most defenders. Stopped plenty of dangerous play, and played his way out of plenty of dodgy situations.

Your deluded if you saw that today pal.

 

[The Cowboy]

Just watched the penalty. NEVER a penalty. It's the last minute, the ref can't see the very minimal contact on the ball, but it was there, so how the hell can he justify giving a pen?! It's three all for God's sake, could he not just let everyone walk away relatively satisfied with a hard earned draw?

Fuming about this.

 

[daz4matty]

Just watched the penalty. NEVER a penalty. It's the last minute, the ref can't see the very minimal contact on the ball, but it was there, so how the hell can he justify giving a pen?! It's three all for God's sake, could he not just let everyone walk away relatively satisfied with a hard earned draw?

Fuming about this.

The ref is a kopite anyway should not ref our games

 

[marsh]

Ref points as if to say he got the ball n then gives the pen. Rat!

 

[allezlesbleus]

Just watched the penalty. NEVER a penalty. It's the last minute, the ref can't see the very minimal contact on the ball, but it was there, so how the hell can he justify giving a pen?! It's three all for God's sake, could he not just let everyone walk away relatively satisfied with a hard earned draw?

Fuming about this.

Never a pen for me. stones slides on the deck and the attacker has to drop down to make contact with Stones.
That said he was badly dragged out of position for their first goal and his rubbish pass led to their second. Hope he is not being distracted by the transfer window looming.
He is young and so confident on the ball it makes him probably over confident at times but he just is not a leader yet. Shaky keeper, new centre back to the prem and inexperienced left back. Does not really add up to defensive stability. Bad run going on here but it is also about our poor defending all through the team. Guess they don't practise tackling much since no one has any bite at all.

 

[hullefc]

We all know what this ref does what was it 'you don't give a pen against Liverpool in the last minute of a game'. An absolute disgrace of a decision Clattenburg pointed to the ball and then changed his mind and pointed to the spot. If it was the liner who changed his mind, he was 50 yards away and didn't have as good a view as Clattenburg. Did Clattenburg want to be the centre of attention and Everton shouldn't let this drop.

Overall, Stones is in a bad patch, as Barkley was last season and is still learning and will make mistakes unfortunately, as a defender they do lead to goals. When Jags comes back I think Stones should be rested for a few games.

 

[Ihaters]

Your deluded if you saw that today pal.

Your not looking if you didn't.
He had some major howlers today, but still did more good passing and running play than most defenders get through in a season, put in several decent challenges and did start some good moves going.

Also messed up plenty, but he wasn't that bad, we are just not closing down anywhere further back than Lukaku and Kone (both of which did a piece of defending today that put the whole back line to shame)

 

[Stan Lee Park]

Stones is not best served by playing for a manager who has no defensive know-how.

 

[banno]

Stones is ace, really not one of the players that deserves being turned on. Had a poorer game today but was still excellent compared to most defenders. Stopped plenty of dangerous play, and played his way out of plenty of dodgy situations.

I don't think he is being turned on because I believe that we all know he is going to be class. At the moment (maybe because Jags isn't there to guide him) he is showing his greenness at defending. We all agree he is probably the best in the league with the ball at his feet and playing out. He still has a couple of years to learn the art of defending and I believe he will nail it but he is not there yet. As has been suggested by a few he would be ideal as a DM. It was a bad day at the office for him today and he will continue to have iffy defensive displays because of his inexperience.

 

[jinkyali]

Your not looking if you didn't.
He had some major howlers today, but still did more good passing and running play than most defenders get through in a season, put in several decent challenges and did start some good moves going.

Also messed up plenty, but he wasn't that bad, we are just not closing down anywhere further back than Lukaku and Kone (both of which did a piece of defending today that put the whole back line to shame)

You back up my point.

Did more passing and running than any other centre half. Agreed.

But its his defensive skills that are lacking right now and need improving no end. Thats the argument most are making.

 

[Gwladys St. Glory]

But its his defensive skills that are lacking right now and need improving no end. Thats the argument most are making.

Sounds familiar...