John Stones has been one of the key players for Manchester City this season. He has played a crucial role in the team’s charge toward the treble, which includes the Premier League title, the Carabao Cup, and the upcoming Champions League final. Stones has been so impressive that he has even earned a song dedicated to him by the club’s fans. However, it hasn’t always been this way for the England centre-back. Three years ago, Stones was struggling with fitness and form, and it looked like he might have to leave the Etihad Stadium. In this article, we will explore how Stones turned his fortunes around and became a key player for Manchester City.
The Low Point
In the summer of 2020, Stones was struggling to get a game due to his fitness and form. He describes this period as one of the hardest times in his career. Stones decided to take a critical look at himself and examine every detail of his game, including his diet, training, and extra work. He put in extra hours to improve his game and make small improvements that would add up to a big difference. This approach was a big learning curve for him, and it paid off in the end.
The low point of this period came during the Champions League quarterfinal against Lyon in August 2020. Stones was fit, but manager Pep Guardiola picked 35-year-old Fernandinho and 19-year-old Eric Garcia instead, and City crashed out after a shock 3-1 defeat in Lisbon. Stones was an unused substitute, and it was a difficult moment for him. However, he used this disappointment to motivate himself and put a positive spin on the situation.
Stones’ Determination
Despite his struggles, Stones never considered leaving Manchester City. He wanted to prove to himself that he deserved to be there and that he was good enough to play for the team. His determination paid off, and he was named in the PFA Team of the Year alongside Ruben Dias as City won another Premier League title. Stones signed a new five-year contract that will keep him at the Etihad Stadium until at least 2026.
During the second half of this season, Stones played in a hybrid position that required him to step out of defence and into midfield and then back again. He was so impressive in Saturday’s FA Cup final against Manchester United that Jack Grealish labelled his performance “disgusting” in a postmatch interview. Stones has shown himself to be a versatile player who can adapt to different roles on the field. He has even played in midfield, a position that people have predicted he would excel in since he was young.
The Champions League Final
On Saturday, Stones will be one of the key players for Manchester City in the Champions League final against Inter Milan in Istanbul. City are the heavy favourites to win, but Stones knows that nothing is guaranteed in football. He has learned over the course of his career that he needs to focus on the task at hand and not look too far ahead. Stones is confident in his team’s ability but acknowledges that Inter Milan are an incredible team with incredible players.
Conclusion
John Stones has come a long way since his struggles with fitness and form three years ago. He has worked hard to improve his game and become a key player for Manchester City. Stones’ determination and versatility have been crucial for his team this season, and he will be one of the players to watch in the Champions League final. Stones’ story is a reminder that hard work and determination can pay off, even in the most challenging of circumstances.
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