15 Jan 2016 08:24:39
A couple of years ago I said John Stones was Bobby Moore re-incarnated and players like him come around once a lifetime if you are lucky. Some were saying he takes too many chances trying to carry the ball out of defence and I pointed out that he was a kid learning his trade and was a VERY special talent. I remember staating that every top European club would be after him in a couple of years. I specifically mentioned Barcelona and Real Madrid. It now looks like circumstances will mean Madrid are going to have to go on a spending spree before they are banned for 2 seasons for signing new players. I can see a situation whereby they sign Stones for a ridiculous fee, then loan him back to us for the 2 seasons and monitor his further development at Everton. They will then have the ability to sell back or take him on board for the future spine of their team. I could be wrong. but let's see.
15 Jan 2016 08:36:09
According to reports in Spain, Real Madrid want to sign Stones on loan before they sign him when their transfer ban expires. Stones' agent has been involved in setting up the loan.
15 Jan 2016 08:45:04
Ha ha FatD, on loan, as if mate, no way we would let that happen but ye never know fella
Other Degs- I would take 50 million fee then loaned back to us for 2 seasons but as the other great Derek used to say
No way Pedro
Degs.
15 Jan 2016 08:50:40
I honestly never saw that Fatdave. I was just putting 2 and 2 together. I still hear the odd supporter saying he does too much on the ball. I have been involved with youth football for some years and I know why British players are technically less able than continental ones. we instill the thought that defenders should get rid when under pressure from an early age. What we should be doing is saying "learn how to cope when put under pressure. and when you reach the age whereby you are playing at the top level, we will trust you to have some common sense". That way, players like Stones develop the ability to become top top players rather than hoofers who just belt the ball out. that's why with all the FA's grass roots talk, it is a waste of time. Our coaches are still 20 years behind the continental ones. Only when we start allowing young players to develop skills will we see improvements to the level of Spanish, French, Argentinian and Brazilian levels. Hooffing the ball out teaches nothing.
{Ed025's Note - good post that degsy..
15 Jan 2016 09:03:20
Thanks Ed. I have been a bit of a preacher over the years as you know (Osman) . but I also am passionate about this subject. We spoil technically gifted youngsters in this country by instilling a culture of fear. Listen to our own fans getting on Stones' back when he starts sheilding the ball in defense. The last defender (English) who used to do this was Bobby Moore. and he was unsuccessful eh? Yes we have this fear factor and I saw 2 years ago that Stones was different. the last thing we should do is getting him putting the ball in row z of the top tier. We should nurture this very special talent and I have been one of RM's biggest critics. but you can see how under him, Stones is developing into a top top player that every club in the world will want. except West Ham under Allardyce! lol.
15 Jan 2016 11:02:42
Degsy for England!
15 Jan 2016 11:16:38
Lets face it he would have even more time on the ball in Spain, but agree that he is a great talent and the mentality of sticking it in row Z each time someone presses you is ridiculous, however all said and done there is a time and a place for showboating!
15 Jan 2016 20:35:56
To be fair anyone who saw him play when he first joined us could tell he was going to be a star. I saw him at Fulham in the league cup when we lost. The first thing you could tell about him was how comfortable he was at getting the ball down. He'll go and we all know it, but look at who we have in reserve. The transfer embargo for RM begins after this one which is why they are looking to stockpile.
16 Jan 2016 10:23:29
please degsy you make me laugh :)