After Manchester City drew 1-1 against Brighton & Hove Albion, Rodri singled out John Stones for praise on Wednesday night.
The former Atletico Madrid lynchpin, who also provided an injury update about the £47.5 million (Sky Sports) man spoke to club media after the contest.
When breaking down the high-octane affair between Manchester City and Brighton & Hove Albion, Rodri lauded John Stones’ display.
Rodri raves about John Stones after Manchester City drew to Brighton
The England international, barring the odd sloppy moment look typically flawless, especially off the back of celebrating his fifth title in seven seasons.
While Stones did not foray into midfield as much as usual due to the hosts’ constant attacks, he defended extremely well and, on the ball, he looked effortless, as per usual.
Reflecting on the clash between Manchester City and Brighton, Rodri was full of praise for John Stones, who partnered him in defence.
He opened, “I think it was a good game, to come here, to raise again our level after the celebration. I’m happy with the performance. They [Brighton] do many things we do. Sometimes it is difficult because they go one against one and they push you to play long balls. Sometimes it is more of a direct game. It was very tough of course [playing at centre-back]. They play with false nines and they move a lot.”
“John [Stones] and myself were very good today with the ball and without the ball.”
John Stones has a case for being the best centre-back in the world
As Manchester City midfielder Rodri said after his side’s draw against Brighton, John Stones stood out both in and out of possession.
This has become the norm with Stones, especially since the 2020/2021 season as he has been the embodiment of the modern-day central defender and that too, while operating at the highest possible level.
If that was not enough already, the way in which Stones has shone while being deployed as either a centre-half or at right-back whilst drifting into midfield as well puts him in a category of his own.
After all, how many centre-backs or even defenders in general can play the role he has and thrived, and that too against some of the best teams in the world?
The case to be made about Stones being numero uno in his department is valid.
