A defender with the skills of a midfielder, John Stones should suit Pep Guardiola well

AP

Sometimes the simplest compliments are the most significant. "I like the way he plays the game," said Pep Guardiola of John Stones, his latest and costliest signing. The Manchester City manager does not seem to like the way most centre-backs play. At times, he threatens to render them an endangered species. He has deployed midfielders such as Javier Mascherano, Javi Martinez and even Xabi Alonso in the middle of his defences. Albeit in a friendly and when Vincent Kompany, Nicolas Otamendi and Eliaquim Mangala were absent, he paired midfielder Fernandinho and leftback Aleksandar Kolarov in what tends to be a specialist role in Sunday's 3-2 defeat to Arsenal.

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As Gael Clichy, another leftback, recounted, Guardiola “said something like, ‘If he could play 11 midfielders, he would play them.’” What Stones’ £47.5 million move from Everton indicates is that he is a defender with the skill set of a midfielder.

Because Guardiola makes exceptions for certain centre-backs. He champions them. He improves them. If they have the raw ingredients to ally assurance in possession with defensive instincts, he promotes them. Gerard Pique was an early recruit at Barcelona, a Manchester United reserve Guardiola made a double Champions League winner and one of the world’s top centre-backs. Arguably the best right now is Jerome Boateng, whose pace and power was apparent when Guardiola went to Bayern. “Since he came I think I’ve improved my game, especially technically,” the German said in May. Guardiola recognised his potential.

Stones possesses it in abundance. What he has not demonstrated is the consistency to justify his fee. He had two seasons as a first-team regular at Goodison Park. They were Everton’s two worst, in terms of goals conceded, since 2004. He became an emblem of Roberto Martinez’s cavalier side, gifted but underachieving, neglecting the basics in their ambition, a player of undeniable style whose substance was questioned.

He also became a scapegoat: not inside Everton, but externally. The British suspicion of footballing centre-halves runs deep. Stones’ mistakes were highlighted, and perhaps exaggerated, last season. Given City’s aims, they could come at a greater cost this season. Yet it is worth remembering that Jose Mourinho, who prefers centre-backs with impeccable defensive credentials, submitted three bids for him last summer. The pragmatists value Stones, too.

Should all the add-ons be triggered, he will join Paris Saint-Germain’s £50 million signing David Luiz — no byword for flawless defending himself — as the most expensive centre-back in history. And yet, while City now possess the three costliest central defenders ever bought by English clubs, their concerns are not budgetary. As their defensive record has deteriorated, they can testify that outlay has not bought excellence.

Stones’ arrival is an indictment of past dealings. Nicolas Otamendi is reckless and has a habit of charging out of position. He scarcely represents Guardiola’s ideal stopper but still seems to have a part to play. The cumbersome Mangala, who has been omitted from City’s Champions League squad, surely does not. He is a £42 million mistake.

Each performed better alongside Kompany than without him last season, underlining the captain’s continuing importance. One task for Stones will be to dovetail with the Belgian. A greater one, with Kompany missing the start of the campaign, is to deputise for him and to display the leadership City have often lacked in his absence. Along with the price tag, it places a weight on the 22-year-old’s shoulders. Stones has the youth to be Kompany’s successor as well as his footballing soulmate. It has become ever more apparent that City cannot rely on the 30-year-old remaining fit. It is why Stones and Ilkay Gundogan are Guardiola’s two pivotal acquisitions, the passers who will be the cornerstone of his side.

Stones’ 88.7 per cent pass completion rate last season is an indication few centre-backs use the ball better. Kompany may be among them. It is strange to recall he began his City career as a midfielder. Now Guardiola has a new midfielder at the back; just one who is a specialist centre-back.

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