‘Never seen this before’… Jamie Carragher lauds ‘unique’ £50m Man City star as amazing derby stat emerges

Redaction Simon Brett with Tom Procter
Published on 2024-03-05 11:00:00

Jamie Carragher was left amazed by John Stones’ performance for Manchester City against Manchester United, with one statistic standing out to him in particular. City secured a 3-1 victory at the Etihad Stadium in response to Liverpool’s win against Nottingham Forest the previous day.

Despite falling behind to a Marcus Rashford goal, City staged a comeback in the second half, led by Phil Foden, with Erling Haaland sealing the win with a late goal. John Stones once again impressed in a hybrid role that caught the attention of many observers.

Carragher, appearing on Monday Night Football, analyzed City’s victory and highlighted Stones’ unique positioning on the field. The former Liverpool defender pointed out how Stones has been pushing up high recently, a sight rarely seen in English football, according to Carragher.

The standout statistic for Carragher was Stones’ 39 passes in the final third against United, the most he has ever had in a Premier League match. Carragher described Stones as “running the game” with his performance, noting the uniqueness of his role within the team.

He said: “We’re watching something that I’ve never seen in English football.

“John Stones is going from centre-back to number 10. We have never seen this before in here. Just look at his touch map against Man United. Yes, we see all these touches all over, we can see that when you are watching the game. The interesting thing is the 39 passes in the final third, that’s the most he’s ever had in a Premier League appearance.”

City’s dominance in the game, with United adopting a low block, allowed Stones to venture forward and make an impact near the opposition box. The control he provides in the middle third of the pitch is commendable for a player primarily known as a central defender.

Despite United’s defensive approach, Stones’ ability to contribute offensively was exceptional. Carragher praised the 29-year-old’s versatility and control over the game, emphasizing the impact of his performance against United as truly ‘unique’.

Watching John Stones play in this hybrid role for Manchester City is always fascinating, with his ability to influence the game in multiple areas setting him apart. His performance against United showcased his skill and vision, with his 39 passes in the final third a testament to his adaptability and quality on the field.

Read Original article on Manchester City News