‘For me’… Rio Ferdinand says Man City actually used to have a better defender than John Stones

Redaction Simon Brett with Srinivas Sadhanand
Published on 2024-02-29 14:00:00

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has stirred up controversy by claiming that Joleon Lescott was a better defender than current Manchester City player John Stones. In a recent discussion on his show ‘Vibe With Five,’ Ferdinand highlighted Lescott’s defensive abilities while acknowledging Stones’ world-class skills in possession.

Ferdinand’s comments came in response to Jamie Carragher’s praise for Stones, with the Liverpool legend expressing astonishment at the unique role Stones plays at City. Carragher had never seen a center-back perform the way Stones does in his hybrid position, suggesting that even top defenders like Ruben Dias and Raphael Varane would struggle to adapt to it.

Despite this, Ferdinand stood firm in his opinion that Lescott was superior to Stones when it came to pure defending. He argued that forwards would find it easier to play against Stones one-on-one and get more “change” out of him compared to Lescott. While Ferdinand acknowledged Stones’ elite ball-handling skills, he maintained that Lescott was the stronger defender overall.

The debate surrounding Stones and Lescott’s defensive abilities is not new, with former players and pundits weighing in on the topic. However, Ferdinand’s assertion that Lescott was a better defender than Stones has sparked discussion among fans and experts alike. While some may agree with his assessment, others might find it surprising given Stones’ recent performances for Manchester City.

In conclusion, Rio Ferdinand’s declaration that Joleon Lescott was a superior defender to John Stones has added an intriguing dimension to the ongoing debate about the two players’ defensive skills. As opinions continue to vary on the matter, it remains to be seen how both players will be remembered in the annals of Manchester City’s history.

Read Original article on Manchester City News