Stones, a versatile defender: at City he has also played as a midfielder

With his 188 centimeters in height and a starring career at Manchester City, John Stones has been a point of reference for Pep Guardiola, both on and off the field. A player who has established himself as a leader thanks to his attitude, as well as his technical qualities. Now Inter is preparing to welcome him, being able to count on a player with great versatility.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the English defender can be used in several roles: central defender, right back, and, when necessary, as a defensive midfielder in front of the backline, a position he has played alongside Rodri. A player always dedicated to the cause, capable of touching the ball often, moving into the heart of the game, and dominating in aerial duels.

Injuries have sometimes limited his consistency, but have not affected his overall value. Stones should fit into the three-man defense of the tried and tested 3-5-2, no longer as a center back in a four-man line. This solution would also open up possible tactical variations that a coach like the Romanian would consider with interest.

His arrival would entail a tactical shift: Manuel Akanji, with whom he played 58 matches at City, would move to the right, while Yann Bisseck would serve as an alternative. The bond between the Englishman and the Swiss runs deep: back at Manchester City, when Akanji was called upon to move up to the midfield line—a role he also played on some occasions last season at Inter—he specifically studied the matches played by Stones in that position.