After Manchester City defeated Manchester United 3-0 at Old Trafford on Sunday, Micah Richards lavished praise upon John Stones.
Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, the popular pundit gave his two cents on the £47.5 million (BBC Sport) man’s performance.
Micah Richards lauded Manchester City defender John Stones for his remarkable showing against Manchester United.
Micah Richards raves ‘on fire’ John Stones after Manchester City beat Manchester United
Branded as ‘amazing’ by Fernandinho, the Englishman was a class apart, playing in his trademark hybrid role between centre-back and in midfield.
Defensively, the 29-year-old’s standout moment emerged when he took the ball off Rasmus Hojlund, who was clean through on goal in the first half whilst in possession, some of his passing was simply sublime.
As Manchester City taught Manchester United a footballing lesson, Micah Richards reserved special praise for John Stones.
“Stones was absolutely on fire from centre-half going into midfield”, he said after the contest.
John Stones is the glue to this system
Micah Richards was spot on John Stones put in yet another effortlessly excellent display against Manchester United.
Whether it be in terms of defending inside the box or getting on the ball in advanced areas, the question that springs to mind is what can Stones not do at this point?
Perhaps one of the reasons behind why City did not look at their fluid best at the start of the season was the fact that five-time Premier League winner was injured for the first seven games of the campaign.
The balance John Stones provides in possession as he sits in front of the back four alongside Rodri, while also occupying more advanced zones, whilst also being an elite defender is simply irreplicable.
Stones provides a boost to City unlike no other centre-back both in and out of possession, which makes him the trump card in Guardiola’s system and once again, he was immaculate in his complex role.
