You don't have to cast your memory back too far to remember a time when the thought of John Stones in midfield was a scary one.
Pep Guardiola only trialled Stones in a defensive midfield role on one or two occasions in 2018 for Manchester City, taking up his ability to play in front of the back line but ultimately shelving the experiment for another four years. With Fernandinho, Ilkay Gundogan and then Rodri, Guardiola had enough options in midfield to allow Stones to concentrate on being a centre-back.
Now Stones has overcome his off-field problems to become one of City's most reliable players, Guardiola is ready to trust him again in midfield. Saturday is not the first time he's inverted alongside Rodri from right-back, but it was certainly the most effective performance from the number five.
