After Manchester City beat Inter Milan 1-0 in the Champions League final, Manuel Akanji compared John Stones to Diego Maradona.
Speaking to Hayters TV after the game, the Swiss international said the £47.5 million (Sky Sports) man’s display reminded him of the Argentine legend.
As Manuel Akanji officially became a treble winner after Manchester City defeated Inter Milan, he reserved special praise for John Stones.
Manuel Akanji compares to John Stones to Diego Maradona as Manchester City seal treble against Inter Milan
Branded as the standout performer in Istanbul on Saturday night by Stan Collymore, the England international turned heads with his forays in midfield in particular.
Especially with his dribbling, as Stones often left a series of defenders dead with his nifty footwork before finding an inch-perfect pass.
Manuel Akanji was stunned by John Stones’ exploits, as he was full of praise for his fellow Manchester City teammate after their side’s narrow victory over Inter Milan.
“Unbelievable. The way he dribbled, he played like Maradona today. He just took the ball, went at three people and passed it somewhere else, created a lot of opportunities for us. He’s an unbelievable player.”
Another reminder from John Stones that he is a unicorn of a footballer
While what Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji was in jest to an extent about the ‘Barnsley Beckenbauer’, the man himself reminded the world against Inter Milan that he is truly a one-of-one footballer.
For a centre-back to find it as easy as Stones made it look to dribble past opponents, turn and pick out passes was a sight to behold.
To even play across all phases of midfield, whilst having started as a right-back was astonishing enough from the Englishman, as it has been since he has been tasked to fulfil this hybrid role.
But the ease with John Stones operated as a seasoned No.8 begged two questions: one, how many players like him even exist on the planet and two, which other defender can replicate what he is doing?
