Scott Parker was left amazed by one player’s performance in Manchester City’s win over Bournemouth.
Manchester City earned their second victory of the week on Saturday but it was another tough game they could only win 1-0.
Bournemouth pushed City all the way in a competitive fixture but Phil Foden’s first-half strike proved to be the difference.
The 23-year-old stuck away his 16th goal of the season when he converted a rebound after Erling Haaland saw his shot saved.
With another win in the bag, Pep Guardiola’s side have kept the pressure on Liverpool by moving back up to within a point of the Premier League leaders.
Foden earned a lot of the plaudits but John Stones also impressed with a marauding display from the back. Scott Parker was left extremely impressed.
Scott Parker amazed by John Stones
Speaking on Sky Sports, Parker said: “John Stones is a freak really, in the nicest possible way.
“He is world-class. Because a centre-half with his profile, with his stature, to play football like he does… in terms of a manager for Pep, he’s a dream.
“At centre-half, he’s arguably one of your best defenders, if not your best defender. You put him in midfield now, you want an overload, he finds a pass, he finds a spare man, he’s safe on the ball.
“And tonight if you either see him further afield breaking the lines and the ability for players to recognise that in the arena, in the moment is crucial.
“It’s the difference between good footballers, average footballers and world-class ones.
“Because they can adapt, they understand now I need to go beyond the line to free myself up and, like I said, he’s world-class.”
The importance of John Stones
It’s no surprise in the slightest that City have kept two clean sheets in a row with Stones back playing in the ‘inverted defender’ role.
Guardiola has experimented by giving Manuel Akanji the complex role and City just did not look nearly as comfortable or as assured.
But since Stones has come back into the fold – the win was the first time he’s started two league matches in a row since November – they have looked resolute once more.
If City are to go on and claim more silverware this season, then Stones is going to be vital. Hopefully, he stays fit.
