- John Stones got Manchester City’s second goal during their 3-2 victory at Napoli
- The defender put in a composed performance that had the pundits drooling
- Martin Keown suggested Stones should now be England’s first choice centre half
On a night in Naples where Sergio Aguero rightfully will dominate the headlines, another Manchester City goalscorer continued his impressive run of form.
Raheem Sterling got his 10th goal of the campaign, but fellow rising English star John Stones got his third and stole the show as he anchored City’s comeback win.
Napoli may have scored twice but neither goal can be laid at the feet of Stones. An error from team-mate Danilo saw Lorenzo Insigne give the hosts the lead and a clumsy challenge from Leroy Sane, a virtual alien to his own penalty box, allowed Jorginho to score a penalty.
John Stones celebrates his header off the underside of the bar put Manchester City in front
Stones’ performance drew praise from pundits, including ex-England defender Martin Keown
In between the two Napoli goals Stones had hit the bar and put City ahead. That was just the 23-year-old contribution in attack. At the other end he was just a picture of composure, controlling Napoli dangerman Dries Mertens and starting City’s forward moves with typically incisive passing.
It was a performance that drew rich praise from the pundits, including former England centre half Martin Keown.
‘John Stones is growing in stature and, in both penalty boxes now, he’s made a massive improvement at what he does,’ said the Sportsmail columnist.
‘It was a really dominant display from him, he’s getting better every game.’
The Stones vs Dries Mertens battle was notable during the first half at the Stadio San Paolo
Keown added: ‘Gareth Southgate now, he’s got to pick Stones. If you get into the Man City team you get into the England team – it’s almost a given.’
Ex-City captain Richard Dunne was equally effusive in his praise of Stones, hailing his increasing maturity.
‘Last year he was judged as £40-£50million defender instead of a 23-year-old centre half, who won’t mature for a couple more years. But he’s getting there,’ said Dunne.
Jermaine Jenas was another impressed by Stones improvement and mental strength.
he said: ‘With Stones the spotlight is always on him. The media have a love-hate relationship with the way that he plays.
‘He’s been criticised for the risks he takes, a lot. What we’re seeing is the fruits of those risks, because he’s maintained his confidence. If a coach would have knocked that confidence out of him, he’d just be going long.’