Gareth Southgate compared John Stones to Jerome Boateng and Gerard Pique - and the England manager believes the in-form defender can get even better.
After a topsy-turvy first season at Manchester City, the 23-year-old Stones has become a key component of Pep Guardiola's all-conquering side, forming a solid partnership with Nicolas Otamendi at the heart of the defence.
Southgate is also likely to lean on Stones for England's World Cup campaign in Russia next year and, having previously worked together at under-21 level, the national team boss is delighted with the player's progression.
A defender in his playing days, Southgate offered Bayern Munich's Boateng and Barcelona's Pique - considered two of the best in the position in Europe - as prime examples of ball-playing centre-backs who blossomed despite shaky moments in their early years.
"I’ve always said to him people will talk to you about just kicking the ball out,” Southgate told reporters.
Read More: https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/stones-has-much-composure-any-defender-europe-says-southgate
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