At around minute 75 of Sunday's Manchester derby, one of the rare occasions Manchester City were sloppy in possession allowed Bruno Fernandes a chance to test John Stones in a one-on-one scenario.
Showing the Portugal international onto his weaker foot, the central defender was patient and made his challenge at the right time, coming away cleanly with the ball. It was a perfect summary of his performance, and why City fans needn’t worry about Ruben Dias’ long-term injury.
Pep Guardiola’s announcement ahead of the game that Dias had picked up a hamstring injury and is likely to be sidelined for four to six weeks was – understandably – met with huge apprehension.
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The 24-year-old has been a colossus for City since his £65 million move from Benfica in 2020. In his debut season, Dias picked up the Premier League and Football Writers' Player of the Season after helping the Blues to a Premier League and Carabao Cup double.
He’s continued that form into this season and has played a huge part in the current league-high 15 Premier League clean sheets. His injury against Peterborough was a blow, but John Stones’ Manchester derby performance is proof City will be able to cope without one of their star men.
Last season, the England international’s formidable partnership with Dias was a huge part of City’s renaissance. Out of nowhere, the pair led a watertight backline to 21 consecutive victories in all competitions and kickstarted the charge to City’s third Premier League title in four seasons.
This campaign has been a bit different for the 27-year-old. Laporte and Dias’ partnership means Stones has had to bide his time for opportunities but when they’ve arrived, he’s grasped them with both hands.
John Stones has won 88 per cent of his aerial duels in the Premier League this season, while completing 91% of his passes. No outfield player has ever recorded over 85% for both metrics over a full season since records began.
That’s simply remarkable.
United surprised Guardiola and City by pressing high at the Etihad on Sunday. With the omission of Cristiano Ronaldo, Ralf Rangnick opted for a front three of Bruno Fernandes, Anthony Elanga and Jadon Sancho – who were all asked to hurry the City backline.
Even with Pogba and Fred in support, City were not fazed, and a lot of the time it was Stones who was brave and broke through United’s press with a piercing ball. Of course, huge credit should go to the rest of the defence for doing the same, but Stones was one who particularly stood out.
His one-on-one defending should also not go unnoticed. United have some tricky operators in their front line and did at times – especially in the first half – test City’s resolve, and they more than stood up to the challenge.
Tougher tests are to come, but City supporters should take immense confidence from Stones’ display. Dias may not be back for a little while, Guardiola knows has a more-than-capable deputy.
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