Michael Brown has been speaking about John Stones ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash between Manchester City and Liverpool.
The 46-year-old discussed the England international on BBC Radio Manchester.
So, what was said about John Stones? Let’s take a look…
What’s the story?
Well, the man who made 99 appearances for Manchester City said that Pep Guardiola has to start the 29-year-old against Liverpool if he is fit enough to play.
When justifying his comment, Brown mentioned a moment involving Stones and Ederson from a few years ago.
The man from Hartlepool said: “I think John Stones is a given (to start if fit).
“A few years ago, people weren’t sure about him, and Pep put him in, I always mention this… he was taking the ball off Ederson about five yards away from him, under the press from Liverpool, and he was like, no problem, I’ll just take it, if I make a mistake (shrugs).
“I thought, wow, that’s just incredible talent and incredible bravery to be able to do that. As long as he’s fit and risk free (he should start).”
Nobody at this point in time can question how important Stones – who Mateo Kovacic recently praised – is to Manchester City.
In truth, the Manchester City No.5 is arguably Guardiola’s most vital player behind Rodri and Erling Haaland.
The gaps in Manchester City’s side without Stones were there for all to see in the chaotic 4-4 draw against Chelsea before the international break, a goal fest that surely would not have happened if the £47.5m man was playing in his hybrid role alongside Rodri.
Manchester City fans in the dark about John Stones return
Unfortunately, there has not been a fresh update on Stones.
Guardiola admitted after the 3-0 win over BSC Young Boys that his No.5 will be out for a “while” due to a thigh problem, and a concrete development on that is yet to emerge.
Hopefully, the Spaniard can provide some good news in his press conference later this week ahead of Saturday’s clash against Liverpool.
If Stones is able to start, then Manchester City’s chances of picking up all three points would increase significantly – he is that important.
