Stones needs to get rolling
KOMPANY SAYS ‘TALENTED’ STAR MUST BE CONSISTENT
VINCENT KOMPANY has backed John Stones to prove he has what it takes to fill the void left by Manchester City’s former skipper.
Stones has struggled to find consistency since his £50million move from Everton to City in 2016, with injuries and off-field issues undermining his form.
The centre-back, 25, also had a torrid time with England at the Nations League finals.
But he could return from his latest injury at Norwich tomorrow and, with Aymeric Laporte out until the new year after knee surgery, it is vital for City that Stones finds form. Former City skipper Kompany said: “I’ve always said John is one of the most talented defenders. He’s has such a bright future and has already achieved a lot.
“He’s not a young defender any more. He’s a multiple Premier League-winning central defender who’s growing.
“But the one thing I wish for him is consistency – of games and fitness. Then he will show the world how good he is.
“He just has to get himself on the pitch, be himself and he’ll be fine. I’ve not seen signs of weakness. If now he gets to play things will sort themselves out.”
Stones, who has been out for a month with a thigh injury, has started just nine Premier League games in 2019. His fitness issues have been compounded by the break-up of his long-term relationship with the mother of his young daughter.
Kompany warned his former team-mate the competition at City is so intense Stones must prove his worth in training every day. “It’s a matter of survival,” said Kompany.
“Winning five out of the last six domestic trophies in the last two years is outrageous. A lot of players missed out for spells, including me, and yet this team never crumbled. It benefits from having this level of competition.”
Kompany, who left City in the summer to rejoin Anderlecht as player-coach, has no regrets.
Speaking after his testimonial at the Etihad, he said: “To compete at City is a different ball game.You need to wake up every morning and be at your physical peak. It was the right time.”