John Stones came in for more plaudits last night for his performance in the hybrid right back-centre-midfield role for Manchester City.
The Citizens have one foot in the semi-final of the Champions League, after beating Bayern Munich 3-0.
City put in a fine performance at the Etihad Stadium, and are in a very strong position ahead of the return leg at the Allianz Arena.
Rodri opened the scoring with a sublime curling effort from range.
In the second-half, Bernando Silva and Erling Haaland added goals to put the tie almost completely beyond the German giants.
City are coming in for praise for how clinical they were.
But after the game, the BT Sports punditry team gave a lot of credit to the defence.
And Stones again came in for plenty of credit, after he played as both a right-back and a central midfield.
Ferdinand was very impressed with the 28-year-old.
He said on BT Sport: “He’s been phenomenal in the way that he’s adjusted. Going into those central midfield positions, he looks so comfortable.
“We’ve all known from him being a young age at Everton, how comfortable he is on the ball from a centre-half position. But to be able to go and stand in a centre-midfield position and receive the ball, different angles, different areas of the pitch. It’s a phenomenal attribute he’s showing.”
Stones also recently came in for praise from Jamie Carragher. He branded him ‘outstanding’ after his display in the hybrid role against Liverpool.
John Stones has helped Manchester City find a whole new way of playing
It is amazing to see Stones play this position and get better and better in doing so.
He spoke honestly after the game about the fact he is still in a learning curve with it. But he already looks really accomplished.
He suggested he is currently playing fairly safe while he learns the ropes. So it’s exciting to think just how good he could become months down the line.
City dominate most games they play. But this tactic with Stones somehow gives City even more control which did not even seem possible.
