‘Incredible’… Jarrod Bowen says £47m Man City star is on the same level as Virgil van Dijk

Redaction Simon Brett with James Thompson
Published on 2024-03-02 10:30:00

Jarrod Bowen, the attacker for West Ham United, has expressed high praise for Manchester City defender John Stones, suggesting that Stones is on the same level as Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk.

With 157 Premier League appearances under his belt, Bowen has faced off against numerous defenders in his career. However, Stones and Van Dijk stand out to him as top-notch defenders.

In a recent interview on the Premier League YouTube channel, Bowen was asked to pick a defensive option for his dream five-a-side team.

He said: “I’ve got two that have come into my mind. I’ve got Van Dijk and John Stones, because John Stones in a little five-a-side when his blocking of shots is incredible, but then Van Dijk would be that solid defender, no one’s getting past him.”

Stones, who was signed by Manchester City from Everton in 2016 for a fee of £47 million, has since made 248 appearances for the club across all competitions.

Being compared to Van Dijk, who is considered one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League era, is a significant compliment to Stones from Bowen.

The last time Bowen faced Stones on the pitch was during City’s 3-0 win over West Ham in the Premier League last season. Despite not having much to do in that game, Bowen holds his England teammate in high regard for his on-field abilities.

Overall, Bowen’s praise for Stones and his comparison to Van Dijk highlight the respect and admiration he has for the Manchester City defender.

Both players are key figures in their respective teams and have earned recognition for their defensive skills in English football.

Read Original article on Manchester City News