John Stones

In this latest scout report, John Stones continues to exemplify his unique style of play at Manchester City, blending defensive solidity with an unexpected attacking edge. At 31, he's showcasing a mature composure in ball retention that's second to none, rarely misplacing a pass or losing possession. His ability to recover the ball and initiate attacks through progressive carrying and passing is pivotal to City's build-up play, often breaking lines with ease. While his 1v1 defending remains dependable, there's room for improvement in penalty area duels, where he's not as commanding as one might expect. Surprisingly, Stones poses a significant goal threat, an unusual trait for a centre back, which speaks volumes about his versatility and knack for being in the right place at the right time. Overall, Stones remains a crucial component of City's defensive setup, adept at both thwarting opposition attacks and contributing to offensive transitions.