...John Stones. Dropped by Everton today, in poor form, can see them accepting a silly money offer from one of the Manchester clubs.
Don't think it's fair to say he's been dropped. They made 7 changes because they were up against a lower league side. Rested is the right word
John Stones will be sold in the summer. His form has been a bit dodgy recently, so I reckon are playing safe by a) keeping him from injury and b) getting used to a formation which they will have to play without him when he has left for either Manchester City, or Barcelona.
I don't think there's anything in it beyond just giving him a rest as he's played virtually every game. The rest of the back 4 have all had spells out injured so haven't had to play anywhere near as much football. And to be fair most of that team with the exception of Lukaku have been under performing
I reckon a summer transfer for Stones is most likely, I just don't see him leaving during this window.
During Stones recent slump in form, and questions over his playing style, the only person who seems to have stuck up for him is Roberto Martinez (and a few ex pro's who work for commentary teams {namely Phil Neville, Robbie Savage and Rio Ferdinand}). He's playing the way that Roberto Martinez is encouraging him to. I don't for one second believe that he would be frozen out of the side if he's having a bad patch, because I think Martinez knows how important to that side John Stones, at his very best, is. Sent from my I-Microwave using the internets