KANE’S JUST SOLID GOALD
Stones shines thanks to Pep
JOHN STONES says it’s payback time for Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola. The 23-year-old has been through the mill trying to convince the doubters why Guardiola forked out nearly £50m to get him. Stones found himself out of the City side and on the bench for England as he struggled to justify his massive fee. The former Everton star had been regarded as the bright young thing City and England would build their defences around. But after a difficult first season at the Etihad, Stones is starting to look like the penny has finally dropped on what it takes to be top drawer.
Rocket
And he says it’s all down to Guardiola nurturing him and handing out the odd rocket along the way. Stones said: “He was really good, always positive and wanting me to do better. That is why I am trying to repay him on the pitch. “I want to keep improving and the games this season speak for themselves – clean sheets in both the Premier League and Champions League. “I feel like I am developing under him both as a player and as a person. That is all down to the players around me and, obviously, him.” Leaders City are making their Premier League rivals sit up and take notice, especially after a 1-0 win at champions Chelsea at the weekend. Stones added: “As a player I have always been moving in the right direction. Everyone has their ups and downs. “We started this season off well as a team at club level and it was an important match against Chelsea. “They won the league last season and it was important to keep the run going and keep another clean sheet.”