The Pep Guardiola era is well under way at Manchester City and their fans in the Transfer Tavern are loving every minute.
The Catalan will be in the Etihad for 2016/17 and brings with him a wealth of title winning experience from Barcelona and Bayern Munich, as well as a playing style that has arguably changed the way many look at the game.
He has already managed to bring in Ilkay Gundogan from Borussia Dortmund to strengthen the side’s midfield but you can bet that won’t be the last incoming ahead of next season.
The former Barca midfielder knows that the scrutiny on him will be higher than ever as he looks to turn City into European giants, while also battling his old foe Jose Mourinho at Manchester United and so only the best players will do.
John Stones has been linked with a move to the club for some time now and many think it’d be a perfect situation for the young defender to learn from someone who lauds the passing game. Our landlord thinks so too and here are three ways Pep would make the Everton man a world class centre half…
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PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO FIND OUT WHY
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Improved passing
Everyone knows what you get with John Stones, he likes to get on the ball and initiate attacks from his centre half position.
While he boasts an exceptional range of passing, he can sometimes be wayward and Guardiola’s tutelage would surely help stamp this out.
Knowing when to pass is just as important as where to pass and the Camp Nou graduate knows this better than anyone else.
There isn’t a better person to help Stones in this regard arguably in world football than Pep Guardiola.
Improved defending
Stones has sometimes been caught out for Everton with his apparent refusal to just clear his lines.
Although Guardiola wants his side always on the ball he also values a solid defence and will instil this in the 22-year old who seems to have had this missing under Roberto Martinez.
The Spaniard has worked with some of the top defenders in the game and whilst they could play with the ball at their feet, they also knew when to just see off danger.
Find his best position
Guardiola likes to experiment with his players and tactics and we may see Stones employed in different positions as opposed to centre half in a bid to get more out of him.
At Bayern Philip Lahm, as well as a full back, played as a holding midfielder for example whilst Cesc Fabregas became a false nine at Barcelona under the Catalan and who’s to say he won’t find another position for Stones to really showcase his talents.
Such is the nature of his ease and ability in possession, perhaps the former Barnsley man could move into defensive midfield, spraying balls all over the park.
