John Stones has revealed how he revamped every aspect of his game in a bid to resurrect his Manchester City career. And the England defender says that his exciting new partnership with Ruben Dias has been the other key factor in his spectacular return to form. Stones scored twice in the 4-0 win over Crystal Palace, but more importantly, the clean sheet made it one goal against that pair in their last ten games together. Talk of Stones and Dias being one of the great Premier League defensive partnerships is a little premature, but it is certainly promising. But Stones put part of his return from the City dead down to the impact the 23-year-old Portugal international has made – and partly to the way he has overhauled his own game since last season.
John Stones said “It’s not easy coming to a major club like Manchester City and putting a stamp like he has done, the level he has shown in every game. I think it’s a massive credit to him. It’s been great for me to play alongside him. He is so easy to get on with on and off the pitch. We kept a lot of clean sheets and we have just clicked. When it happens like that, you just enjoy playing football. I’m definitely enjoying playing with him and hopefully we can continue for a long time. I think it’s been related to looking at what I can improve, personally. I think it’s down to me and me only, to look at myself and every aspect of my life. That’s what I did. I worked really hard every day on the training pitch, in the gym trying to stay fit, and I tried every detail, also in the recovery aspect. I dedicated everything towards it, trying to get back into the team, trying to fight for my spot. I’m still here to fight for my shirt, fight for my teammates, the club, everything and show my quality when I’m on the pitch.”
