There was a timely reminder of how important one Manchester City player is against Villarreal | OneFootball

When fully fit, John Stones is one of Manchester City’s most important players. With his ability to drift into midfield when playing at centre-back when his team has possession, Stones is a valuable weapon for Pep Guardiola. I’d argue that Stones is the only player who is capable of playing in that particular role. The problem has been that, over recent seasons, John Stones has been unable to stay on the pitch as fitness issues have plagued the England international.

As Manchester City beat Villarreal 2-nil on Tuesday evening, the importance of John Stones to Pep Guardiola’s side was clear to see. He played a key role for his team as he drifted into midfield when his team had possession to form a 3-2-5 formation, which helped City dominate the first half of their win over Villarreal at the Estadio de la Ceràmica. In the second half, he defended resolutely to help maintain his team’s clean sheet. All told, Stones showed just how important he is to Pep Guardiola’s side when he is fully fit.

John Stones was back to his best against Villarreal.

As Manchester City dominated Villarreal in the first half on their way to a 2-nil lead at halftime, John Stones played an integral role in City’s dominance. Especially when City had possession. He drifted into midfield and played alongside Nico in the heart of Manchester City’s midfield. With Stones drifting centrally, Pep Guardiola’s side had a wall in midfield. Stones’ quality on the ball helped his team dictate the first half at the Estadio de la Ceràmica. Nico played a superb game as well, but with Stones alongside him, Pep Guardiola’s side always had control of the first half. It was a magnificent performance from City in the first half at the Estadio de la Ceràmica, and John Stones was at the heart of Manchester City’s dominance.

As Villarreal came with a late surge in the game’s closing stages, Stones slotted in at centre-back alongside Ruben Dias. He defended superbly, and he helped his team see off the Yellow Submarine. Come the final whistle, John Stones had reminded everyone of his quality, and when he is fit, he is a vital player for Pep Guardiola’s side.

John Stones wound back the clock at the Estadio de la Ceràmica.

When Manchester City famously claimed the treble during the 22/23 season, John Stones, playing at centre-back and drifting into midfield, was a key part of City’s success. The England international adapted superbly well to a role that he is seemingly the only player who can thrive in it. Against Villarreal, he wound back the clock and again shone in the role. If Stones can stay fit this season, he looms as a vital player for his team, playing in a role that adds so much to his team.

Speaking after his team’s win, Pep Guardiola believed John Stones played exceptionally well. The City manager said Stones wound back the clock in a quality display. He told the media: “Really good. Top. He can play his position, is so smart and helps us. Really good and really pleased for the game from John. [The year we won the Treble] he made an exceptional season and was an important player there.”

Due to the fitness issues that have plagued John Stones in recent seasons, his quality as a player is sometimes forgotten. A reminder of his quality and importance to his team came against Villarreal at the Estadio de la Ceràmica. If Stones can stay fit, he offers his team an asset that many other teams don’t have. The hope is that he can stay fit so he can be a regular contributor for his team.