Will John Stones eventually come good at Manchester City?

Let’s face it – although big things were certainly expected of John Stones upon completing his obscenely over-priced move to the Etihad this summer – the former Everton defender has so far failed to cover himself in all that much glory since first arriving at Manchester City.

 

The highly coveted England international has ultimately failed to adapt to Pep Guardiola’s notorious possession-based play for the vast majority of the 2016/17 campaign, which has seemingly come as something as an unforeseen surprise to some – despite the early warning signs witnessed down at Goodison Park last season. 

 

 

The 22-year-old defender was once again at fault when his side fell short against Leicester City last time out…

 

John Stones has had another mare today, but he'll be fine. He'll really find his form when he moves to Sunderland.

— Paddy Power (@paddypower) December 10, 2016

 

…it was the latest in a long line of personal errors Stones has been involved in this season…

 

An absolute peach of a pass from John Stones into Jamie Vardy's path to set up the fourth goal. That's what £50m gets you.

— Liam Canning (@LiamPaulCanning) December 10, 2016

 

When you look at other big name defenders operating at the top of their game in Europe…

 

£50m for John Stones…… pic.twitter.com/JRZ7CnlmEf

— Juvefc.com (@juvefcdotcom) December 10, 2016

 

…John Stones currently represents just another overpriced Englishman plying his trade among the Premier League…

 

You know nothing John Stones

— Ben McAleer (@BenMcAleer1) December 10, 2016

 

It remains to be seen whether or not he’ll remain at Manchester City in the long-term…

 

City paid 50 Million for John Stones & he couldn't defend a big mac from a vegetarian #MUFC

— The United Stand (@UnitedStandMUFC) December 10, 2016

 

…and as Stones is supposed to represent the future heart of the Three Lions back-line…

 

John Stones is such a pathetic defender. If he's the future of the England team we're in serious trouble!

— Chris Holwell (@chrisholwell92) December 4, 2016

 

…Gareth Southgate’s team could indeed find themselves in deep water in the not too distant future…

 

John Stones? Do me a favour. Most overrated English player I've ever seen. Positionally poor, struggles reading the game.

— Tom McDermott (@footballmcd) December 10, 2016

 

Although some still seemingly back the former Everton defender…

 

The reaction to a poor John Stones performance is a little overboard. He'll be a top defender, needs to cut out the errors first obviously

— Hussain Rubban (@dwane_dibley) December 10, 2016

 

…something clearly needs to improve within John Stones’ overall game sooner rather than later! 

 

John Stones…the future of England????????????????? #havingalarf

— Christopher Davies (@Chrisdavies1966) December 10, 2016