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Not only has John Stones been solid at the back this season for Manchester City, but he even got on the scoresheet against Manchester United. Stones’ last goal was all the way back in February 2017, and this one could not have come at a better for him.
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City’s defensive record has been massively improved thanks to Nathan Ake, Ruben Dias and Aymeric Laporte, however this season it’s Stones that has shone.
This season, with Stones in the starting line-up, City have conceded 2 goals in 10 games, and have not lost any of these games, winning 9. Without him in the starting eleven, City have lost 2 of 15 and conceded 14 goals.
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On the other hand, England’s starting centre-back Harry Maguire has seen United concede 24 goals in 16 games, and he has been involved in all those matches. Of course, Gareth Southgate is extremely unlikely to drop Maguire any time soon from the squad, but could Stones force Maguire out of the team?
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Stones has not played for England in over a year, but most City fans will agree his form this season is outstanding, and he has done what he can to prove himself to Southgate.