Barcelona stalwart and Spanish international Gerard Pique has heaped praise upon young Everton centre half John Stones.
Speaking to The Daily Telegraph, Pique, 28, has compared Stones to his former Manchester United team mate Rio Ferdinand.
Pique spoke about how Rio Ferdinand was one of the Premier League’s greatest defenders and how he sees the same qualities in Everton’s exceptional young talent.
‘Rio Ferdinand and John Terry were the two main central defenders in England. Top Level. Now, I think John Stones is a really, really good player. He will have a good career. He’s like Rio, a bit.’ – Gerard Pique.
Pique also spoke of how Stones is a young player and therefore needs the support of a more experienced centre half beside him.
He’s young and alongside him they probably need one who is more experienced.
John Stones is a vital part of Everton’s playing style. He is comfortable on the ball and is also an extremely talented passer of the ball. According to Pique, these are now extremely important parts of a modern defenders game.
Now the position of centre back is not just about defending or being nasty or tough. It’s about knowing how to play football, control the ball, pass and be more comfortable in possession. Rio was the firt one who did it.
And now there is Stones, he’s one of the new generation who understand football not just as a defender.
This is extremely high praise from one of the foremost defenders in international football. Thus far in his career Pique has won The Premier League and The Community Shield once, four Champions Leagues and a whopping five La Liga titles. Therefore it is hard to challenge Pique’s opinion.
The future is bright for John Stones.
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