‘I was absolutely mesmerised’… Micah Richards and Gary Lineker hail ‘extraordinary’ 29-year-old Man City star

Redaction Simon Brett with Tom Procter
Published on 2024-02-26 09:00:11

Manchester City secured a 1-0 victory over Bournemouth on Saturday night, continuing their impressive recent form. The win at the Vitality Stadium was hard-fought, with Phil Foden once again proving to be the difference maker for City by following up on Erling Haaland’s shot to score in the first half.

With the gap at the top of the table narrowing to just one point, the title race is heating up. Many believe that City’s key players returning to full fitness could be the deciding factor, with John Stones standing out as a crucial player for Pep Guardiola’s side.

Stones’ performance against Bournemouth did not go unnoticed, as both Gary Lineker and Micah Richards praised his display on Match of the Day. Richards was particularly impressed by Stones’ ability to take up intelligent positions on the field, both in defense and in attacking midfield, showcasing his versatility and skill on the ball.

Richards said: “John Stones, his position, he’s playing centre-back! But look at the positions he’s taking up! He’s not just in there to be a decoy. He gets on the ball and he plays it, checks his shoulder, give and he wants to go. The only thing he didn’t get today was a goal or assist, but his all-round game was magnificent.

“We’ve seen him step into holes in midfield, but his position was just mesmerising _ I love the way he draws people in.”

Lineker added: “I was absolutely mesmerised by the performance of John Stones, I thought it was extraordinary for a central defender.”

The 29-year-old’s presence on the field not only adds defensive stability to City’s lineup but also provides a crucial element of control and composure that is vital to their success.

Despite facing injuries throughout the season, Stones remains a key figure in City’s pursuit of success, with Guardiola acknowledging that he is still not at full fitness. Keeping Stones fit and in form will be crucial for City as they strive to compete for another treble, highlighting his importance to the team’s overall performance.

Overall, Stones’ standout performance against Bournemouth served as a reminder of just how valuable he is to City’s success and underlined the impact he can have on the team’s performance when he is at his best. As the title race intensifies, City will be looking to Stones to continue delivering top-class performances to help them achieve their goals.

Read Original article on Manchester City News