Why Manchester City offering a new deal to John Stones would make sense
According to ESPN, John Stones could be in line to receive a new contract from Manchester City. The defender has enjoyed some good form this season and has become a part of the first XI, ousting even Aymeric Laporte.
Profile
A youth exponent of Barnsley, John Stones made his senior debut for the Tykes in the Championship during the 2011-12 season before completing a move to the top-flight with Everton in January 2013. He made his first-team breakthrough for the Toffees in the following campaign and went on to feature 95 times in all competitions over three seasons.
Stones’ burgeoning reputation as one of the best young central defenders in England prompted Man City to fork out a staggering £47million to secure his services in the summer of 2016. The 26-year-old played his part in City’s back-to-back domestic title triumphs in 2017-18 and 2018-19 but has seen his game time reduced in recent seasons due to inconsistent form and injuries.
The 26-year-old started only 2 out of City’s 9 opening league fixtures this season so far, with the arrival of Nathan Ake and Ruben Dias in the summer. A full international for England since 2014, Stones has earned 39 caps for the Three Lions.
Stones deserves a new contract
It’s been a long journey for John Stones at Manchester City. One of Pep Guardiola’s first signings at City, he has had his share of highs and lows. He has won quite some trophies but has had to spend a lot of time on the treatment table. In total, he has missed 30 games for City in 4 seasons.
That has also impacted the team as they were forced to use Fernandinho at centre-back and the error-prone Nicolas Otamendi. It was only this season that they splurged on Ruben Dias and Nathan Ake. However, Stones has made a case for himself in the last couple of games, keeping the ever-present Aymeric Laporte out of the side despite him being fit.
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It speaks a lot about a player’s mentality when one fights for their place even when the odds are stacked against them. Stones has always been a good defender with lots of potential and it would be a good way to reward such a player by offering him a new deal. Stones is still 26 and very likely has a lot more to offer.
