Everton have been linked with a return for John Stones this summer – which would surely delight Tim Howard.
The former goalkeeper piled the praise on John Stones back in 2015, predicting him to reach the very top of the game.
And Stones certainly hasn’t done too badly since leaving Merseyside.
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Ross Sykes playing in the Champions League for Union SG against Atletico Madrid.
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The central defender has won six Premier League titles with Manchester City as well as a Champions League and several other cups.
During his time there, he has established himself as ‘the’ ball playing central defender, that a lot of others have actually modelled their games on.
But Stones’ time at the Etihad looks like it will soon come to an end.
Everton have been linked with Stones, and past praise from Tim Howard outlines just what a serious player the Toffees would be getting.
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John Stones look on.
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Stones has played a big part in City’s domination of English football over the last eight years or so.
The Pep Guardiola way is to build from the back, and Stones was an absolute necessity for him to use this style.
Without a doubt, Stones is a world-class player – and that is something Tim Howard predicted all the way back in 2015.
He said (via Daily Mail): “I think Stonesy is a brilliant talent. Just to watch him, the way he glides with the ball, reads situations.
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John Stones lifts the Premier League trophy for Manchester City.
Credit: Getty Images/Justin Setterfield
“He’s so young. He’s only going to get better and better. I think you’re looking at a world class centre back in the next five years.
“He has a ton of confidence. Every now and again you get that, every couple of generations. You have to enjoy it and take advantage of it.
“When you have a young player who doesn’t understand what pressure is, shrugs off criticism, he’s brilliant. The top players, that’s what in the end make them the best – their mentality.”
It’s safe to say that Stones also went on to have a very strong mentality, winning so many trophies and playing such a big part for City.
Stones could make Everton return
It would be interesting to get the thoughts of Howard on a potential return to Everton for Stones.
He would likely want to see it given what he said about him previously, although perhaps he’d also share the same concern that a lot of Evertonians have, which is the player’s injury record.
Unfortunately, Stones has spent a lot of time in the treatment room during his time at City, which is a great shame for a player of his calibre.
John Stones on the ball for Manchester City.
Photo by Stuart Leggett/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
It is likely going to be the reason City don’t try and extend his contract, and he will leave for free this summer.
With Michael Keane out of contract and James Tarkowski ageing, there will be scope for a new centre-back and the club making a play for Stones would certainly be very intriguing.
Stones’ wages could be an issue for Everton, so we’ll have to see if the player would be willing to take a bit less than he’s on now.
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