After Manchester City beat Brighton & Hove Albion 2-1 on Saturday, Steve Howey lavished praise upon John Stones.
Speaking on City’s official full-time show, the pundit gave his two cents on the £47.5 million (BBC Sport) man’s showing after he made his first Premier League start of the season.
Steve Howey was floored by Manchester City defender John Stones, who instantly looked the part upon his return from injury against Brighton & Hove Albion.
Steve Howey raves about ‘superb’ John Stones after Manchester City beat Brighton
Branded as ‘amazing’ by Fernandinho, the Englishman operated in his usual right-sided centre-back role but stepped up into the middle of the park when his side were on the ball.
Stones was simply everywhere, looking typically comfortable in possession, winning the ball back and stitching City’s attack from deeper zones of the pitch.
As Manchester City catapulted themselves to the top of the league table after defeating Brighton, Steve Howey reserved special praise for John Stones.
“Again, John Stones got some minutes in and again, I thought he was superb. I think you’d [Cel Spellman] said it at half-time, he’s just come back from a long injury, then he’s played some international minutes as well, played really well today.”
John Stones’ return is huge
While the Sky Blues have the luxury of having a number of top centre-halves at their disposal, the ‘Barnsley Beckenbauer’ was the glue to their system last season, which eventually led to their treble success.
As a result, to witness the 29-year-old look sharp against Brighton and impress Steve Howey amongst many that tuned into watch Manchester City was a real positive.
Not only is Stones an elite defender but his presence in midfield and across all phases of the pitch makes him one of one out of perhaps any player in world football.
In addition, it is always a displeasure to watch such an outstanding player be sidelined with injury, which makes his return all the sweeter.
