John Stones has the ideal role that Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola designed for him to succeed in. The England international’s contribution to the treble victory in the previous season became crucial. Recently, as Stones steps up his game, his role has changed once more.
John Stones has always shown that he is a capable midfield player. One of his strongest suits as a defender is his ability to play the ball well. That quality was what made Pep Guardiola’s tactical change from the previous season such a genius.
When City had the ball, Stones would move from defense into midfield, showcasing his enormous talent there. His abilities strengthen Manchester City’s powerful midfield. When the world champs are in possession, playing next to Rodri provides a wall across midfield. Players like Kevin De Bruyne, Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva, Erling Haaland, and others can perform at the top of the pitch because of the double pivot. With the assurance that Stones and Rodri will follow to clear up after them, they can launch an attack. It has developed into a useful tool in the treble winner’s arsenal.
In the last two Manchester City victories over Luton Town and Bournemouth, John Stones has advanced more forward. The England international’s game is being used as an offensive tool by Pep Guardiola’s team. That aspect of his play has demonstrated how essential Stones is to Manchester City’s accomplishments.
John Stones stated in an interview with the Official Manchester City podcast that he was eager to take on the role that Pep Guardiola had assigned him right away. He went on to say that he now appreciates his teammates’ roles in midfield more because of his new role as he put it: “From the beginning. It all comes back to education. While playing there, you learn to respect other people’s roles and gain new insight into their circumstances. You see that occasionally I might pass to a midfielder, but since you’re the one receiving it, you know that it was the incorrect pass or the incorrect position. You respect each other’s contributions to the team.
John Stones had the perfect role last season thanks to Pep Guardiola. His new position proved crucial to Manchester City’s treble-winning season last year, and it may be even more essential this year as they attempt to defend the title. John Stones has taken the job and made it his own in the past year, but Guardiola created it. Although Stone’s skill has always been apparent, his play also stands out for its remarkable level of intelligence.
