John Stones has been named as the Champions League Player of the Week after his tremendous display for Manchester City in their 3-0 thrashing of Bayern Munich.
The £47.5 million (Bleacher Report) man’s displays in his recent hybrid role were branded as ‘phenomenal’ by Rio Ferdinand, after he bossed proceedings against the German giants.
With Jamie Carragher also describing John Stones’ displays in this role as ‘outstanding’, he was recognised as the Champions League Player of the Week for shining against Bayern Munich.
Stones named Champions League Player of the Week after Bayern win
The 28-year-old has been operating as a defensive midfielder in possession and a right-back off the ball.
But against Thomas Tuchel’s side, Pep Guardiola utilised him as a centre-back and a midfielder, and yet, he perhaps put in one of his best performances this season.
As a result, John Stones was named as the Champions League Player of the Week and that too officially, as shared by their Twitter handle after his exceptional showing against Bayern.
The England international finished 1st, with Brahim Diaz, Nicolo Barella and Vinicius Jr. taking up 2nd, 3rd and 4th spots respectively.
MCN View: Stones is finally getting the credit he deserves
Since the 2020/2021 season, in terms of sheer consistency and how complete his game is, Stones has been one of, if not the best centre-back in world football.
Yet, a stigma rings around the ex-Everton defender’s name due to his past errors in a City shirt that has meant he has remained criminally underrated.
However, as John Stones executed such a complex tactical role to perfection, it was only fair that he was recognised as the Champions League Player of the Week.
Pundits and fans were left awestruck by a display that typified why Stones was Guardiola’s second signing at the Etihad Stadium, back in 2016.
