Jamie Carragher waxed lyrical about John Stones, who was typically flawless for Manchester City in their 2-1 victory against Manchester United to win the FA Cup.
The Sky pundit took to Twitter to laud the £47.5 million (Sky Sports) man’s excellent display in his hybrid role at centre-back and in midfield.
While Ilkay Gundogan grabbed the headlines against Manchester United and rightfully so, Jamie Carragher was utterly blown away by yet another Manchester City player in John Stones.
Jamie Carragher lauds John Stones as Manchester City beat Manchester United in the FA Cup final
Branded as ‘unique’ by Joleon Lescott, the 29-year-old did not put a foot wrong throughout the game, as he put on a masterclass in midfield and a defensive performance worth a standing ovation.
Time and again, the England international has stood up tall for Pep Guardiola’s men, as he was crucial once again in his side being one game away from a historic treble.
Jamie Carragher gave a special mention to Manchester City defender John Stones after his sublime showing against Manchester United.
“Ilkay Gundogan will be remembered as the match winner but John Stones’ performance was sensational!”
“Defensively great, block on [Alejandro] Garnacho & heading the crossbar! Then running the game from midfield. I can only ever remember watching [Matthias] Sammer/[Lothar] Matthaus do it for Germany, but they were sweepers in a back three, which was stepping in with the ball more than it was receiving it like a conventional midfielder.”
John Stones is the best centre-back in the world
The fact that it does not feel over the top from Jamie Carragher to liken Manchester City colossus John Stones to a Ballon d’Or winner like Lothar Matthaus or a legend of the game like Matthias Sammer proves how incredible he was against Manchester United.
However, it is not just a matter of one game, as Stones has mastered this hybrid position for City this season, which is one of the most complex roles in football.
Yet, it seems like the former Everton defender was born to play in this very role, as he is elite both as a pure defender and as a genuine midfielder up the pitch.
At this point, to crown John Stones as the best centre-back in the world should not even be an unpopular opinion.
