What kind of a role John Stones will play for Manchester City in the upcoming season has already been decided by Pep Guardiola.
The Englishman recently wrapped up his sixth season with the Citizens by winning the FA Cup, Champions League, and his fifth Premier League championship.
The 29-year-old played a variety of positions throughout the season, including center back, right back, and a more advanced midfield position.
After City’s historic season came to an end, some behind-the-scenes information about the England international’s position in the upcoming season has already surfaced.
Stones will stay in the midfield position.
The Athletic recently reported that “Guardiola plans to stick with the four centre-backs approach next season, rather than signing traditional full-backs, and that will often mean Stones going into midfield again.”
Stones transitioned into his defensive-midfield position in April, spending the majority of the season there while competing against teams like Bayern Munich and Real Madrid in both the Champions League and other league games.
The England international also began in midfield for the Champions League final match against Inter Milan, winning nine of the 12 ground battles he took part in and completing all seven dribbles he tried.
His efforts in that midfield role earned the former Everton player heavy praise from Rio Ferdinand, who described Stones’ performances as “magnificent” in the middle of the pitch.
With all of that in mind, and with the Citizens reportedly pulling out of the race to sign Declan Rice, it’s easy to see why Guardiola will look to keep the Englishman in the midfield for the time being.