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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Jack Flintham

Man City star John Stones explains what he is enjoying about new midfield role

Manchester City star John Stones has admitted that he did not expect to end up in midfield but is really enjoying the new challenge set by Pep Guardiola.

Eyebrows were raised recently when Stones was moved into the defensive midfield role by his manager following the success of Rico Lewis in that position. However, the former Everton man stole the show on Tuesday night as he put in a man-of-the-match performance during the 3-0 victory over Bayern Munich.

And Stones says he is enjoying the challenge of his the new role Guardiola has handed him. In particular, the City star is relishing the opportunity of 'getting higher up the pitch' for his side.

ALSO READ: Ferdinand names the four City players who made the difference

After the game, talkSPORT spoke to Stones about the new position he finds himself in and how he has managed to adapt to the role. He explained: "Maybe at one point I could have been playing in midfield.

"Over the years here I have played as a centre-back and right-back under the manager. I thought [playing in midfield] might have been for a game here or a game there but I think the main thing is that I am enjoying it and we are winning as a team.

"All the players that have played that position have done incredibly well and its suiting us down to a tee as a team and it goes back to where I say the manager is bringing ideas to us and I am just going out there and trying to execute what he wants from me.

"And then, going to express myself and keeping clean sheets and winning games. I am really enjoying it in there and the different variety of my game, getting higher up the pitch but then being defensively solid.

"Its something I am still improving on and trying to get to grips with but I am really enjoying it." Next up for Stones and his teammates is the visit of Leicester City to the Etihad Stadium.

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