Joleon Lescott has praised John Stones for his recent form and ability to play in a midfield role.
Prior to the FA Cup final against Manchester United, the England international had featured in 32 matches for Pep Guardiola’s side across all competitions, chipping in with three goals and three assists.
The 29-year-old’s recent run of form has caught the attention of one pundit, who knows what it takes to play at the back for City.
Lescott hails Stones
Speaking on ITV in the build-up to the FA Cup final, Lescott had this to say about Stones and his recent endeavours in the City team.
He said: “He’s found a new way to be efficient and as much as we give Pep credit, I think John Stones has to take ultimate credit for that.
“Not so long ago it was talked about him leaving the club. It’s unique to him. With [Raphael] Varane and [Ruben] Dias, as good as they are, I don’t think they could do that, I don’t think any centre-back can just go in there and play there.”
As the former City player mentioned, Stones, who City paid a total of £50m to sign back in 2016, has featured in three different positions this season including centre-back, right-back and in a defensive-midfield role.
To highlight how effective Stones has been throughout his latest title-winning league campaign with the Citizens, the Englishman shown how capable he is in possession by racking up the joint-highest passing accuracy percentage (93%) in the squad.
Compare that with Varane, who Lescott mentioned, he ended the league season with a passing accuracy percentage of 86.3%, which highlights how much better Stones is at moving the ball around the pitch accurately.
From that part of his game, it’s easy to see why the former City star has been so full of praise for the current player.
Moving forward, if the Englishman continues to impress in whatever role Guardiola chooses to play him in, these comments from Lescott will not be the only praise that comes his way in the future.
