Pep Guardiola has already decided what role John Stones will have in the Manchester City team next season.
The Englishman recently ended his seventh season with the Citizens by lifting his fifth Premier League title as well as the FA Cup and the Champions League.
Across the campaign, the 29-year-old found himself playing in numerous positions across the pitch, including at centre-back, right-back and in a more advanced role in midfield.
Now that City’s historic season has come to a close, some behind-the-scenes details have already emerged concerning what sort of role the England international will have once the new campaign kicks off.
Stones to continue in midfield role
According to a recent report from The Athletic, “Guardiola plans to stick to the four centre-backs approach next season, rather than signing traditional full-backs, and that will often mean Stones going into midfield again.”
Stones moved into his defensive-midfield role in April, mostly seeing out the latter stages of the season in that position playing against the likes of Bayern Munich and Real Madrid in the Champions League as well as in several league matches.
The England international also started the Champions League final against Inter Milan in midfield where he ended up winning nine of the 12 ground duels he was involved in and successfully completing the seven dribbles he attempted.
His efforts in that midfield role earned the former Everton player heavy praise from Rio Ferdinand, who described Stones’ performances as “magnificent” in the middle of the pitch.
With all of that in mind, and with the Citizens reportedly pulling out of the race to sign Declan Rice, it’s easy to see why Guardiola will look to keep the Englishman in the midfield for the time being.
