Chelsea wonderkid Levi Colwill has named Manchester City defender John Stones as an inspiration to him.
Speaking to the press (via Football Daily), the 20-year-old was quizzed about which players he models his game on.
Levi Colwill instantly mentioned John Stones, as the pair are currently away on international duty for England.
Levi Colwill names ‘amazing’ John Stones as his idol
Branded as ‘sensational’ by Jamie Carragher, the £47.5 million (BBC Sport) man had the season of his life as City won the treble.
The ‘Barnsley Beckenbauer’ raised the bar for the rest in his newfound role where he dovetailed between either centre-back or right-back, in midfield and across every phase of play.
Levi Colwill has now namechecked John Stones as a player he models his game on.
“Definitely now, John Stones. I think watching him, he’s an amazing player, so calm on the ball. And I think definitely in trying to improve myself, I’ve got to watch these players”, he said.
It is fair to say that several up-and-coming English defenders could have the same response.
John Stones should be an inspiration for any young defender in the world
Considering Levi Colwill too is a top ball-playing centre-back, it is only right that he has taken inspiration from John Stones.
Since perhaps Manchester United’s Rio Ferdinand, England have perhaps not produced a centre-half as gifted on the ball as him.
But simultaneously, Stones’ comfortability in possession has not led to him sacrificing his game as a defender.
The balance that the five-time Premier League winner brings both on and off the ball is the gold standard for other defenders in the world.
Both physically and tactically as well, Stones is top-notch.
Up-and-coming defenders must take notes when witnessing the 29-year-old in action as he is a true master of his craft and the epitome of the modern-day centre-back.
