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Published on 2024-02-10 20:00:00
Richard Dunne has showered praise on the progress made by John Stones since joining Manchester City. Stones arrived at City as one of the first signings of the Pep Guardiola era in 2016, following his move from Everton. The club splashed out a considerable £50 million to secure the services of the young defender, a figure that raised eyebrows at the time. However, Stones has more than justified his price tag with his invaluable contributions to the club’s recent successes.
Nicknamed the ‘Barnsley Beckenbauer’, Stones played a pivotal role in City’s historic treble triumph last season. Despite struggling for a large part of the season, City’s fortunes drastically improved when Guardiola shifted Stones from defense to midfield, reinforcing the team’s strength in the middle of the park.
Richard Dunne commended Stones for seamlessly adapting to such a complex role, commending the young defender for his impressive development. Speaking on City’s Match Day Live show, Dunne highlighted the defensive improvements and added strength that Stones brought to the team.
City’s first clean sheet of 2024 in the Premier League came with Stones in the team, reinforcing Dunne’s comments about the importance of having the defender back. Stones’ presence in the side was critical as City secured a crucial 2-0 victory over Everton, extending their unbeaten domestic streak to nine games.
As City now seeks to retain their crown and fend off competition from Liverpool and Arsenal, Stones’ fitness and form will be crucial. Despite struggling with a knock in recent weeks, Stones’ imminent return to full fitness bodes well for City’s aspirations. Stones’ significant development and his valuable contributions to City have shaped him into a crucial player for the club, a fact that Richard Dunne was quick to highlight.
Read Original article on Manchester City News
