In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Steve Howey, who made 193 Premier League appearances during his career, was full of praise for John Stones after fighting his way back into Pep Guardiola’s side.
Alongside Ruben Dias, Stones has established himself as a top Premier League centre-back after being dropped from the side last season when he made just 16 appearances in the league – one less than he’s made this campaign.
Who should start alongside Dias for City?
Laporte!
Stones!
The former Everton defender has been chipping in with goals as well as finding the net three times despite failing to score in the league for City before scoring twice against Crystal Palace in January.
During Manchester City’s 15-game winning run in the Premier League, Stones only missed three games which all occurred when Aymeric Laporte returned from injury, such is the level Stones has been performing at this season.
Speaking on Stones’ form this season and how he managed to become a trusted member of Guardiola’s squad, Howey exclusively told FFC:
“I think John Stones has gone away and it’s been a difficult time for him because he was getting criticised and did look a little bit short of confidence. There was no doubt he was a good player.
“I thought sometimes he took too many chances when he was at Everton but I think Pep’s cut them out of his game.
“He’s come back a bigger, better and stronger player. For me personally, he starts for England at the Euros.”
Stones appears to be one of the first names on the team sheet at City nowadays after proving his ability to defend and bring the ball out of defence, which can only be a positive for Gareth Southgate and England.
As well, Man City are still on course to complete the quadruple with the Premier League all but won and are in the final of the Carabao Cup against Tottenham Hotspur.