Pep Guardiola has said that John Stones could start as a defensive midfielder from the get-go rather than in his hybrid role.
Ahead of Manchester City’s upcoming clash against Aston Villa, the Catalan tactician made this revelation about Stones, as quoted by journalist Ian Cheeseman.
So far, while the £47.5 million (Sky Sports) man has played in midfield when the Sky Blues are on the ball, he is tasked to rejoin the back four as a centre-back when his side are out of possession.
Pep Guardiola says John Stones can play as an actual defensive midfielder
Manuel Akanji, who has been playing in the Englishman’s trademark hybrid role during his injury-stricken absence revealed that he has been studying videos of him to learn how to improve in the position.
While the Swiss defender has performed well, the role seems to be tailor-made to suit the decorated defender’s playing style.
But now, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola believes that John Stones has it in his locker to play as an out-and-out No.6
“John Stones is ready [to play], he was ready on Sunday”, Guardiola said about Stones being in contention to face Aston Villa, as quoted by Ian Cheeseman.
The Spaniard added, “He is capable of playing as a holding midfielder from the start and not just as a centre-back who moves into midfield.”
There is one worry about John Stones in the No.6 role
Firstly, it would be interesting to see if Pep Guardiola hands this increased responsibility to John Stones against Aston Villa due to Rodri’s one-match suspension, considering getting a win is crucial, with Manchester City trailing behind table-toppers Arsenal by three points.
Secondly, there is a major difference between operating in a double pivot and playing as a lone defensive midfielder.
Especially for a centre-half like John Stones, who is not accustomed to covering as much ground as an actual No.6 has to on most matchdays.
While the former Everton colossus is likely to be able to read danger extremely well, whether he has the athleticism to step up as a holding midfielder is the question.
And that too, in a league as physically demanding as the Premier League.
