Stones salutes ‘world class’ Walker

JOHN Stones has identified a City team-mate as being the “best in the world” in his position … and he didn’t mean Kevin de Bruyne!

The Blues defender was asked about the strange fact that, in a team of top-class talent from all over the planet, they have ended up with a defence in which three of the four – Stones, Kyle Walker and Fabian Delph – are from Yorkshire.

And Stones, fast maturing into a classy defender in his own right, was eager to flag up the attributes that Walker has added to the team this season.

Sheffield lad Walker cracked open the Stoke defence in the stunning 7-2 Blues win at the weekend, with a thundering run into space down the right and a shrewd cross for Gabriel Jesus at the near post. But Walker brings energy and quality to the position, as well as being physically able to handle the rougher side of Premier League life.

“The way he gets up and down the pitch is why for me he’s probably the best in the world, and I keep telling him that,” said Stones.

“He wants to keep winning, keep on keeping clean sheets and getting better.

“That’s why he’s the player he is and the person he is, he wants to keep on getting better.

“I think it’s down to the team, if he’s so high there is always back to cover his position.”

“It’s down to the manager and players to ensure that happens and at the moment it all gels quite well together.”

The other telling feature of this City team is how every player seems more intent on setting up a teammate rather than grabbing a goal for themselves.

“The unselfish side of the lads is great to see - all the cutbacks, looking to finish with the ball in the back of the net,” said Stones.

“And there’s been some great football like today.

“Some of the goals we were running up, the boys were thrilled at how we had scored. It is credit to them.

“The finishing has been unbelievable and it’s a great win over all.”