Rob Edwards admitted he really didn’t want ‘incredible’ Man City ace to play vs Luton

Redaction Simon Brett with Srinivas Sadhanand
Published on 2024-02-28 11:00:00

Luton Town manager Rob Edwards expressed his concerns before his team’s 6-2 loss to Manchester City, stating that he had hoped John Stones would not be in the starting lineup. Stones, known for his intimidating presence on the field, was referred to as “so difficult” to play against by Micah Richards, who highlighted Stones’ effectiveness in his unique position.

Former player Richard Dunne went as far as to claim that Stones possesses qualities that no other player in Europe can match. Despite Guardiola revealing that Stones was not at full fitness after their win against AFC Bournemouth, the decision was made to start him in the match. Stones was eventually substituted in the 77th minute, likely to preserve his energy for the upcoming Manchester Derby.

Prior to the game, Edwards praised Stones and admitted his hope that the defender would not feature against his team. This sentiment was echoed by Edwards as he observed Stones’ exceptional performance on the pitch. The focus was not on Stones’ defensive abilities, but rather on his impressive movement and impact on the game.

Stones’ contribution to the match was evident as he outmaneuvered Luton’s defensive strategy and played a pivotal role in setting up a goal for his team. Despite facing a lineup of world-class players, it was Stones who stood out as a potential threat to Luton.

In conclusion, the fear and respect generated by Stones as a center-back are rare in the world of football. His unique skill set and impact on the game were duly noted by Edwards and his team, showcasing the significance of Stones’ presence on the field.

Read Original article on Manchester City News