Shaun Goater believes no other centre-back can play the hybrid role John Stones plays quite like he does.
In Manchester City’s latest 1-0 win against Brentford, the Englishman started in the centre of defence but roamed into various zones in midfield when his side had possession.
Once again, John Stones put in a splendid display to reiterate his importance as a part of this City side.
Shaun Goater says no other centre-back can play the hybrid role like John Stones does
The 29-year-old was typically flawless in possession, as he helped the Sky Blues camp the Bees into their own half, helping the hosts retain the ball for a majority of the game.
But when the game needed to be less frantic when Brentford were looking to equalise, Stones played a massive role in City completely controlling proceedings by driving up the pitch with the ball and constantly moving to be available to receive the ball and keep the game ticking.
Even defensively, the £250,000-a-week (Sport Rac) man did not put a foot wrong, despite often going toe-to-toe with Ivan Toney, who did cause Pep Guardiola’s men problems from time to time with his brilliant hold-up play.
Ahead of the contest, Shaun Goater lauded John Stones for how no other centre-back can play in his hybrid role quite like he does.
“Now, you look at a centre-half playing in their position, you say, is there one that plays it better than John Stones going into midfield? Alongside Rodri, he goes in like a natural midfielder and it’s amazing because he’s working on his game flawlessly”, he said on City’s pre-match show [via YouTube].
Most centre-backs should not play in the “John Stones role”
In our view, Shaun Goater is bang on the money about John Stones but in all fairness, most centre-backs should perhaps not be advised to play in his signature role as they would encounter some sort of obstacle trying to do so.
Either, several defenders would not have the technical capacity he has to break the lines, carry the ball and spray a variety of passes.
Or, just in terms of how their physiques are built, they would lack Stones’ ability to turn out of pressure in tight situations.
In some cases, certain centre-backs would lack John Stones’ intelligence to know when to pick up which areas of the pitch to receive the ball in space.
As a result, while managers may be inspired to replicate the treble-winner’s role in their sides, it may not be the best idea.
