A forgotten Manchester City defender could open up a host of possibilities for Pep Guardiola next season | OneFootball

Heading into the summer transfer window it did appear that John Stones would be one player who seemed highly likely to leave Manchester City. The injury-prone centre-back has struggled to get onto the pitch during the past two seasons. Based on his injury history and the fact that Manchester City signed Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis during the January transfer window it seemed that Stones would be surplus to requirements.

But that hasn’t been the case. Heading into the 25/26 season John Stones is set to remain as a member of Pep Guardiola’s squad. If Stones can stay fit he could open up a host of possibilities for Pep Guardiola to utilise next season.

John Stones is looking forward to playing for Manchester City next season.

Earlier this week, Manchester City held an open training session. Stones was seen training with his teammates. The England international appeared to be fit and ready for what lies ahead next season. Following Manchester City’s training session, Stones spoke with the media. In quotes relayed by CityXtra, Stones refuted any speculation linking him with a move away from Manchester City this summer. Speaking on the possibility of leaving City, Stones said: “Yeah I mean, I get told this, I don’t see a thing. So it’s laughable to me but I understand why people do it, and there’s nothing to comment on it. I love it here (at Manchester City), nothing’s happening and I’m here to fight and play, and yeah, hopefully win some trophies!”

John Stones also spoke on what Manchester City’s new signings have added to Pep Guardiola’s squad. He added that he was excited to play with City’s new signings. Stones explained: “Things evolve, football evolves, and the guys that have come in have been great. It takes a bit of time to obviously get used to the style of play, what’s expected and what’s asked of them, but the guys have come in for a reason. The quality they’ve got, the aspects of the game are different from what we’ve had in the past. I’m excited to play with them and see what they do.”

John Stones can add something different to Manchester City’s play next season.

Barring something exceptional occurring during the closing stages of the summer transfer window, John Stones will be a member of Pep Guardiola’s squad for next season. As a player, Stones can offer something that no other City defender can. Especially in possession. The England international is arguably the best ball playing centre-back in the Premier League. That opens up endless possibilities for Pep Guardiola to explore. During Stones’ endless injury issues over the past two seasons his immense talent as a player has been often overlooked.

Whether it’s by playing at centre-back and drifting into midfield or by playing at right-back in a similar manner to Rico Lewis, John Stones adds something different to Manchester City’s play. Potentially, Stones could play in midfield if required. He is that talented. What will dictate whether or not Stones has a profound impact on Manchester City’s 25/26 season is his fitness.

If John Stones can stay fit he will be a valuable asset for Pep Guardiola’s side. He has a set of skills that no other Manchester City defender has. With the England international set to remain at Manchester City for next season the hope is he can stay fit to add a different element to Manchester City’s play in a variety of positions.