John Stones apparent decision to reject a move to Tottenham Hotspur on deadline day may just have paid off, as he fights to earn his way back into Manchester City’s team.
The Daily Star and the Daily Mail both reported that Tottenham made late attempts to sign Stones in the summer, but saw their attempts blocked, as the England international did not want to move.
Stones has slipped down the pecking order at City, following the arrival of Ruben Dias, after some unsteady performances in recent years.
But Stones was brought into City’s line-up against Olympiacos last night and helped his side keep a clean-sheet in a 3-0 victory.
Stones was in fine form and Guardiola was raving about the former Everton man after the game.
“John Stones is back, an incredible performance – almost perfect. It’s not easy when you’re a long time without playing,” Guardiola said.
Guardiola’s statement that Stones is now ‘back’ may just suggest that he could receive more game time in the coming weeks.
Stones will be hard pressed to break into City’s team ahead of Aymeric Laporte or Dias, but if he is promoted to first reserve, then he may feel that his decision to reject Tottenham’s advances and stick around the Etihad Stadium has been vindicated.
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