Pep Guardiola praises defender John Stones, says ‘he deserves the best’


Pep Guardiola praises defender John Stones, says ‘he deserves the best’
John Stones celebrating against Crystal Palace

Manchester City thrashed Crystal Palace 4-0 to climb to 2nd in the Premier League table.The goals from an unusual source in defender John Stones who grabbed a brace,alongside Gundogan and Sterling.

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Stones scored the opener for City through a Kevin De Bruyne ‘special’ assist. It marked an incredible feat for the Belgian – 100 assists for Manchester City.

Pep Guardiola hails defender John Stones

Pep Guardiola and John Stones

Pep Guardiola praise his team especially defender John Stones who has rediscovered his form this season. He said – “If there is one guy who deserves the best it is John.He’s struggled a lot but he’s a fantastic human being. His parents must be so proud.”

“He’s had personal problems in the past, injuries. At the moment he’s set up good and he’s starting to play.”

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Stones had a difficult season last year, in which he had a number of injury problems and missed a lot of games.  City opted to recruit Nathan Ake and Ruben Dias in the summer to bolster their defence, which was guilty of leaking goals in the previous year. 

Stones was thought as the 4th choice centre back for Pep going into this season, behind Laporte , Dias and Ake. However, the English international has turned his fortunes at the club. The manager credited the success to Stones himself. 

Confidence is everything,” he said. “He won his confidence for himself. As managers, we can’t give confidence.

“He started to play alongside Ruben and they’ve played really well.”

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Guardiola will hope Stones continues his purple patch and remains fit for the remainder of the season.Manchester City are undefeated in their last 9 Premier League games. They current sit 2nd in the Premier League trailing United by 2 points with a game in hand.

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