Could John Stones or Leonardo Bonucci solve Manchester City’s defensive issues?

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Manchester City’s defensive issues last season were well documented. Although their inspirational captain Vincent Kompany has proved to be one of the best defenders in the world throughout his time in England, City have yet to find a real world class partner for the 30-year-old Belgian, or provide effective cover when he is out injured.

Both Nicolas Otamendi and Elaquim Mangala have proved to be good defenders when alongside their skipper, but whenever Kompany is missing and they have to play together, the Argentine and Frenchman look like complete strangers to one another, leaving the City defence wide open and consequently, leading to a lot of poor results.

Naturally, new manager Pep Guardiola has already begun thinking about addressing this area of weakness at his new club, and the names that have been heavily linked with moves to Manchester are Everton’s John Stones and Juventus’ Leonardo Bonucci.

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22-year-old Stones has been linked with a big money move away from Everton for some time. Last summer, it appeared that Chelsea were the club most keen on taking the young defender, and this window it appears City are in pole position in the race to sign the former Barnsley defender.  Stones has reportedly told Everton that he wants a transfer, and it is thought that a bid of £50 million would be sufficient to land him for Guardiola.

As for Bonucci, City have had a £38 million bid rejected this morning, according to Sky. Bonucci, who was a mainstay during Italy’s impressive run to the quarter-finals of the Euros, and in Juventus’ impressive title winning defence alongside Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli.

In terms of experience, there is no contest between the two players. Stones has played for Everton for just three seasons, has yet to establish himself in the England side, and finished last season in pretty bad form. Bonucci, however, has been at the top of the Italian game for six seasons with Juventus and has accumulated 62 caps for his country. Stones is still learning the game, whilst Bonucci knows what it takes to win. In that sense, there is no contest.

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Conversely, Stones has plenty of youth on his side, and a good decade ahead of him to improve. His reading of the game and ball playing ability has earmarked him as a star of the future, which is something that Bonucci doesn’t have in front of him. For roughly the same money, Bonucci would provide City with just a few years of top class defending, whereas Stones could be part of the furniture for a long time yet.

Whilst money is no object to a club as wealthy as City, financial questions must be asked before any transfers are made. £50 million should be enough to secure Stones, but City must also consider how heavy price tags have affected the fortunes of young English players in recent seasons. Andy Carroll’s move to Liverpool is a good example, as is Raheem Sterling’s move to City last summer. The pressure of such a big fee on young shoulders can have a really detrimental impact on their fortunes, which could leave City with a few temporary problems.

All in all, Bonucci looks like the right option for now, as Stones would need a couple of years to develop into the sort of player that can sort City’s defensive problems immediately. However, if Juventus continue to insist that Bonucci is not for sale, Stones may be the best option. If City can wear Juve down, Bonucci would be the best option, but if they can secure Stones for the future that would be a good back-up plan.

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