How Stones is Flourishing in New Hybrid Role at Man City
Kelly Greenwood (2023-07-31)
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Pep Guardiola has used John Stones in a unique hybrid role, stepping between right back and central midfield when City have possession of the ball. The England international has excelled in this new position in recent weeks, showing great versatility and adaptability.
On Tuesday against Bayern Munich, Stones was outstanding in the midfield. He completed 62 of 82 forward passes despite heavy pressure and was the top passer in that area.
John Stones has excelled in his new hybrid role at Man City since Pep Guardiola introduced it, and the numbers back him up. With 62 of 82 forward passes under high pressure being successful, the City defender is by far the top passer in midfield.
He boasts an impressive passing rate when moving around the opposition's press, which can be crucial in breaking up their defensive structure. This data speaks volumes about City's back line's ability to work together effectively in order to maintain possession.
Central defenders typically play one of two roles: they either pass the ball out wide to an attacking full-back or take a deeper position in front of them like Stones did during his tenure at Chelsea. Nowadays, however, more defenders are becoming proficient at both roles.
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Pep Guardiola's team have reached a new level this season, and John Stones has excelled in an attacking midfield role alongside Rodri. This allows Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan to start higher up the pitch, creates better passing lines during build-up plays, and provides City with solid blocks for counterattacks.
He carries the ball well with his feet, skipping away from opposition players to deliver crosses at pace or set up teammates. These skills are essential when defending on the ground but even more so in an attack where players need to be able to create space with their feet too.
This season, England defender Harry Kane has recorded the highest passing success rate in the Premier League - just ahead of Manuel Akanji and Ruben Dias. This feat not only speaks to his defensive abilities but also shows Guardiola that he needs someone who can pass effectively when under duress.
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On Friday night, Stones suffered a hamstring injury during his FA Cup clash with Arsenal that may have prevented him from starting in the Premier League match against Manchester United. But now he has returned to the side and is available for Saturday's match against Newcastle. As part of Pep Guardiola's new hybrid role which emphasizes defensive vigilance, positional instincts and secure passing while also giving them physicality against opposition attack, Stones is an integral member of this Guardiola team which has seen great success with this hybrid role which emphasizes defensive vigilance, positional instincts and secure passing while also giving them physicality to withstand any attack that comes their way.
Stones is known for his short, precise passes when in possession. He's considered one of the best passers in possession, losing only six passes per 90 minutes. A true midfield maestro, Stones blends calm distribution with insightful game management in the centre of the park.
Stones' new defensive role under Guardiola has enabled him to shine in recent weeks. He's become an essential member of City's line-up, playing in a hybrid right back-centre-midfield position when the Blues possess the ball.
In midweek, Stones earned himself Man of the Match honors for his outstanding play in defense during a 3-0 victory against Bayern Munich. He expressed his joy at having taken on such an important role.
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As a result, he's been the best passer of the ball with his back to goal this season. His ability to break down the first line of an opponent's deep block and create numerical advantages in tight midfield battles have been remarkable.
He's also been excellent at avoiding mistakes. In the first half against Liverpool, for instance, his passing accuracy rate was 95%.
