On The Move: Everton’s John Stones

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After much speculation last summer surrounding England’s next world-class centre-back, John Stones came close to signing for, then, Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea. One year later, the Everton man has had a far from impressive season, having looked unreliable in the heart of both Everton’s and England’s defence, yet he remains in high demand – most of which is coming from the Toffees’ Premier League’s rivals.

Stones failed to displace Gary Cahill and Chris Smalling from the England starting XI during Euro 2016, however, he played 33 times for Everton in the Premier League last season. The England international won 63% of the duels he engaged in last season, with an impressive 74% take-on rate success.

His capabilities to carry the ball into the midfield make him unique and therefore expensive, for the most dominant teams in the league. A centre-back who can carry the ball may prove the difference in the tight games, Stones is always keen to start attacks having created six key chances last season, in contrast, his defensive partner Phil Jagielka only created two.

Everton are reportedly resigned to losing their key asset and it seems likely Stones will be playing for a new club come the start of the season, but who will the Englishman be representing?

Manchester City

It’s well known that Manchester City have ambitions of a Champions League trophy yet have the defensive stability of a Championship team. In recent seasons the club have spent vast amounts on Eliaquim Mangala and Nicolas Otamend, while Pellegrini also kept faith in Argentine Martin Demichelis, to little reward. Vincent Kompany also spent large amounts of time on the sidelines with injury last season and doubts remain over his durability for the entirety of a season.

Pep Guardiola’s first task is to improve his back line and John Stones may prove to be an impressive piece of business in the long-term. Stones has time on his side and would instantly be able to replicate the role David Alaba often played under Guardiola at Bayern. The versatile Austrian played in a back three and was the player Guardiola relied on to break into the middle and begin attacks. Stones is another player who can play a similar role.

While his ball carrying ability is highly impressive, for a reported £50million, fans may question the defensive side of his game. However, many forget the English centre-back played under a manager, Roberto Martinez, who was solely focused on attacking. With Guardiola’s intense coaching, Stones’ defensive mishaps are sure to vanish.

Manchester United

After trying to sign Stones last season, Jose Mourinho is expected to go back for the Englishman at his new club Manchester United. Stones would join Marcus Rojo, Chris Smalling, Daley Blind, Phil Jones and new signing Eric Bailly in competition for one of the likely two available centre-back spots.

The arrival of John Stones would provide the opportunity for him to create a partnership with Chris Smalling, which would come of benefit to both United and England. Yet, his signing could spell the end for other players, with Phil Jones likeliest to move on, having had very little impact this season.

Rojo may also be forced out the first team picture if Stones joined. However, the Argentine international’s versatility may be of benefit to Mourinho if the Portuguese manager wanted a more defensive-minded left-back than Luke Shaw.

Chelsea

New manager Antonio Conte has already seen the arrival of Belgian striker Michy Batshuayi for £33million, while he is also said to be an admirer of the talented centre-back John Stones.

Conte is likely to improve his centre-back options as the Italian may employ three at a time. Stones would fulfil a ball-playing centre-back role which may relieve some of the pressure surrounding his defensive capabilities.

His signing would allow the young Englishman to receive tutoring from the experienced John Terry, who could pass on his expertise and take Stones’ game back to basics to ensure he fulfils the first role of a centre-back: to defend.

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