Micah Richards feels John Stones has taken his chance in Manchester City’s defence. A combination of injuries and poor form saw the centre-back fall out of favour under Pep Guardiola in recent seasons but the hectic nature of this campaign has seen Stones play more regularly, and he started against Olympiacos and Burnley. Whilst City were not really tested against Burnley, with Riyad Mahrez’s hat-trick helping them to a comfortable victory, Stones continued his good recent form. Speaking on Match of the Day, Richards revealed he spoke with Stones ahead of this season and revealed the ex-Everton and Barnsley man was determined to work hard and win his place back in Guardiola’s side.
Micah Richards said: “It has been difficult for him. I actually spoke to him and he was really open and honest about his season. He said he was going to work hard and that is what he did today, he really did. He started the game with intent and won his first header, which just gives you that confidence. He can also do this part of the game: spraying the ball wide. Today, he was spot on. He has got the ability in abundance to play the ball into feet and he did really well to hold it up. He did this all afternoon and he fully deserves that, because when you’re not playing your best you want to take that chance when you get it, and he did that today.”
