Nedum Onuoha has lavished praise on to John Stones, who started yet again for Manchester City in their 2-1 defeat against Atletico Madrid.
Speaking on City’s YouTube channel ahead of the contest, the well-known pundit was quizzed about whether the £47.5 million (Sky Sports) man can improve even further in his hybrid role where he transitions between defence and in midfield.
According to Nedum Onuoha, there is nothing stopping Manchester City centre-back John Stones from doing so, as he played the same role against Atletico Madrid as well.
Nedum Onuoha says John Stones could get even better in hybrid role as Manchester City lose to Atletico Madrid
Branded as ‘exceptional’ by Stan Collymore, the Sky Blues defender was a revelation in the hybrid role last season, whether it be as a centre-half or at right-back and then moving onto playing in midfield.
Breaking the lines in the middle of the park, dictating play, dancing past opponents whilst also being elite defensively at the back, Stones was unplayable in his side’s treble-winning campaign.
As a result, as Manchester City were readying themselves to face Atletico Madrid, Nedum Onuoha expressed that he believes that John Stones could further master his current role next season.
“When you think of how many games he’s actually played in that hybrid role, it’s not that many, considering he’s played hundreds of games in his career. He can still iron out certain little kinks within it and his understanding of the game itself. And as that happens, if you wanted to get better at football and being in a certain position, how about having some of these players around you?”, he said.
Nedum Onuoha pinpointed why Manchester City, who capped off pre-season with a flawless win record against Atletico Madrid is the perfect environment for John Stones to continue improving.
“How about having one of the best managers in the history of football being able to tell you? Pep Guardiola also played that position as well. In terms of seeking guidance, it’s absolutely perfect. But John is an incredible player, as you can see there [scoring against Yokohama F.Marinos], he loves playing his football, he loves being around his teammates.”
In the build-up to his side’s friendly against Atletico Madrid, Manchester City fan favourite John Stones’ motivations for doing so were also highlighted by Nedum Onuoha, as he explained, “He’s absolutely brilliant and he knows he was such a big part in a historic season for City last year. So, as this season rolls in now, big season ahead, with the Euros next summer, he will be striving to getting better and better, and hopefully finishing the year with more titles and big confidence heading into that Euros.”
