John Stones made his long-awaited Manchester City return at the weekend, amid rumours Everton may look to sign him this summer.
John Stones was named in the side that started for City against Salford in the FA Cup fourth round.
The centre-back – who has again struggled with injuries this season – had not featured since City’s 5-4 win over Fulham back in December.
Would a return for John Stones on a free make any sense for Everton? 🧐
His experience could prove priceless! 🏆
John Stones lifts the Premier League trophy for Manchester City.
Credit: Getty Images/Justin Setterfield
But he was handed a start against Salford at the Etihad Stadium.
And unfortunately for Stones – in what may have been of note to Everton – it was not a comfortable outing.
Warning for Everton as John Stones struggles for Man City
Manchester City defender John Stones spreads his arms.
Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP via Getty Images
Stones was selected to start for City alongside Abdukodir Khusanov in the heart of the defence.
It was a nice moment for City fans, with Stones being a popular figure at the Etihad.
MORE EVERTON STORIES
But worryingly, he gave a performance that was way below the level we know he can play at.
As per the Manchester Evening News, Stones ‘Looked incredibly rusty on his first start for nearly three months’ and was ‘caught out on a number of occasions’.
Speaking after the game, Pep Guardiola acknowledged that the England international wasn’t his usual self. He said (via ESPN): “He’s back. He still needs time, he’s not the John Stones that we knew but his body language was really good in terms of the press and aggression.”
The remark from Guardiola may well set some alarm bells ringing for the clubs that are supposedly interested in signing Stones this summer.
Everton are thought to be one such club keen on Stones, but several other big clubs in Europe are circling.
Everton must closely monitor Stones’ level
Perhaps it was inevitable that Stones would look off the pace after a fairly lengthy spell on the sidelines
Guardiola saying he is ‘not the John Stones that we knew’ is an interest comment, as it reads as though he believes that previous version may not be coming back.
John Stones gives instructions while playing for Manchester City.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Everton have been linked with a free swoop for the player, and it’ll be interesting to see what kind of level he shows between now and the end of the season.
He has been one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League for a number of years, when he’s been fit and available.
But if there’s a suggestion that a decline could now be starting, then Everton need to be careful about making an approach.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Everton content each week direct to your mailbox