MX23RW : Sunday, May 21 14:04:27| >> :60:30:30:

Sylvain Distin: 'Pep Guardiola has hampered John Stones progress'

Distin: 'Guardiola has hampered Stones progress'
© Reuters
Former Manchester City defender Sylvain Distin says that John Stones will not fulfil his potential by working under Pep Guardiola.

Former defender Sylvain Distin has suggested that John Stones will not fulfil his potential while he is playing under Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola.

Although Stones has made 129 appearances in all competitions since moving to the Etihad Stadium in 2016, the 25-year-old has not always been regarded as first choice.

Distin, who played with Stones at Everton, says that the England international has not developed 'a defensive grit' which he feels is required to improve his game.

Speaking to The Beautiful Game Podcast, the Frenchman said: "I'm not sure if he has got that defensive grit. He is an amazing player with the ball, really confident with the ball but that is possibly the modern centre-back. As a modern centre-back, yes he is amazing. Did he fulfil his potential? No.

"He still has a lot to learn and he has to be a lot more consistent. Can he fit in every team? I don't think so either. He is perfect for Guardiola. Will he be perfect for a team who have to be stronger defensively first and then have less possession? I am not sure he is there yet.

"Definitely he has all the attributes but I feel like something didn't click for him yet."

Stones currently has just over two years remaining on his contract.

ID:397119: cacheID:397119:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2238:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang pictured in Europa League action in February 2020
Read Next:
Charlie Nicholas tips Man City to join Aubameyang race
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
CManchester CityMan City35274492316185
2Arsenal37256683434081
3Newcastle UnitedNewcastle361912567323569
4Manchester UnitedMan Utd36216952411169
5Liverpool37199971432866
6Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton351771167491858
7Aston Villa37177134945458
8Tottenham HotspurSpurs37176146662457
9Brentford371414957461156
10Fulham37157155451352
11Crystal Palace371111153948-944
12Chelsea351110143641-543
13Wolverhampton WanderersWolves37118183153-2241
14Bournemouth37116203770-3339
15West Ham UnitedWest Ham36107193852-1437
16Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest37910183767-3037
17Everton37712183357-2433
18Leeds UnitedLeeds36710194671-2531
19Leicester CityLeicester3686224967-1830
RSouthampton3666243166-3524

Ted Lasso creative

Subscribe to our newsletter


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!