http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...ohn-Stones-dream-team-Wayne-Rooney-bench.html 'Rio Ferdinand and John Terry were the two main central defenders in England. Top-level,' Pique told the Telegraph. 'Now I think John Stones is a really, really, good player. He will have a good career. 'Now the position of the centre-back is not just about defending or being nasty or tough. It's about knowing how to play football, control the ball, pass and be more comfortable in possession,' added the Spain international. 'This is something that 10 years ago [in England] they didn't understand. Rio was the first one who did it. And now there is Stones, he's one of the new generation who understand football not just as a defender.'
I've been reading about GP over the last few days really. He's a player that you look at and he does things so easily at centre back. But I've been reading about how ruthless he's become. Him and Arbeloa apparently don't like each other. It happens in dressing rooms I guess especially in a country like Spain with big political differences which will go into the players even though manybe they try and keep them private for sponsors ect. I think he likes to show what he does and this is by the Trophy's he's won. I believe he tweeted a then Real Madrid players indirectly 20 plus Trophys on twitter. I hope he stays in Football after he retires.
Interesting that the player GP the time at Manchester United as a great experience and that he learnt a lot with some top players. He also joined MU at 17. He was a product of La Masia like Cesc Fabregas was and he went back when he got the chance. I expect the same of Hector Bellerin in coming years too. If you listen to him he says he learnt so much over here. He will also be proud of winning a champ league and premier league medal I'd imagine. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_9gRrEUPks&t=67s
John Stones would be a revelation if he was playing in Spain. He's far more suited to the Spanish way of playing rather than the English. There's no wonder that he looked world class against Barcelona but a little iffy against Scotland. There's time for him at City I'm sure, so long as Pep gets the time to build a title winning squad which I think he's still a couple of players short of doing. That said, I don't see any clear favourites in the Premier League at present. #TeamsLikeBarnsley
For me Manchester City and Manchester United will look very different in 12 months time. Don't think City will do a lot in January, United could do but both clubs 5/6 players off first 11's for me. Be interesting to see what City do with the goalkeeper. Think it was rumoured that former Barnsley Goalkeeper Butland could join them summer 2017.
Pique is as close a likeness to Stones as we'll see. Post above is right about Stones more likely to shine in Spain. Pique is helped, and I mean that in a respectful way, by having 10 teammate's, goalkeeper included, who are comfortable receiving the ball under pressure and have the technique to handle it. Stones has maybe 5 teammate's at Man City who are as comfortable, and for England, probably none. There's a few in the England squad who can control a ball further than I can kick it.
https://youtu.be/bIy2wbaw3Hw And I read a story not too long since about how Patrice Evra waited months for a pair of boots with his kids' names embroidered on them, and then the first day he got them Pique set fire to them.
At some old bloke. You make it out like he's done it to a randomer in the streets. edit. If you look closely. Cesc's putting him upto it and Valdes find it funny too. That's someone on the parade coach. He and another are laughing. It's like to be banter between two Catalans. Also it says that it was a prank in the dressing room. It happens. They do it all the time. They take the piss out of each other.
well you live and learn there's me thinking that Bobby Moore was cultured and widely admired as far back as 66