Mike Summerbee, who was part of the successful Manchester City side of the late 1960s and early 1970s, has been impressed with defender John Stones' start to life at the club this season, stating he represents the future of defending.
The 22-year-old was roped in from Everton in a massive deal over the course of the summer but has fitted right into Pep Guardiola's starting XI, making a total of 19 appearances in all competitions.
Stones has filled in capably for injured captain Vincent Kompany, helping City move just one point behind English Premier League leaders Chelsea.
"John Stones has done remarkably well. He's a young man, it's a big responsibility playing in that position," he told Omnisport.
"I like him on the ball. He picks the ball up and if there's 20 yards in front of him he'll go into that place, which will commit an inside forward or a midfielder to go into him. Then he'll lay the ball off and he does that very well.
"I like anybody with confidence who can control the ball and beat people. It's the footballing world now, everybody has to be able to play.
More From This Section
"In my day, we had full-backs who kicked wingers, you had centre-halves who won the ball in the air and the skilful people were the inside forwards and they created situations.
"Now, everybody in the entire Premier League tries to play football."
--IANS
dm/ajb/bg