Daniel Levy has been looking to add quality and depth to the defensive line in the upcoming summer transfer window, and given how Ange Postecoglou has struggled because of injuries in the central defensive position, he needs to bring in someone with high-end quality to make sure that there is no quality depth because of such situations in the upcoming season, and this is where we at TTLB feel that Manchester City defender John Stones could add a lot to the side.
Stones is an elite player under pressure and possesses the ability to play in a hybrid CB/DM role and bring that tactical versatility to his side (his playing style and attributes are not found in the current roster at N17). And given his experience and exposure at Manchester City, he does bring that big-match pedigree and leadership abilities. Given how this current Lilywhites side are seeking ball dominance and positional control, Stones will make an ideal short-term acquisition. However, his signing brings a lot of risk given his injury record and the cost of the transaction.
If we look at his tactical profile, Stones is somebody who is elite at progressing the ball and is a crucial asset in a build-up-heavy system. Moreover, he is calm under pressure and allows smooth transitions from the back.
Given that Stones is a graduate of Pep Guardiola’s system and can mirror multiple roles, it will add so much width and unpredictability to this defence. He can play in an inverted RB role, a hybrid centre-back/defensive midfielder role or in a deep-lying CM to bring that box shape. And given how the North Londoners want to bring that territorial control into the games, he would be perfectly suited.
That being said, he needs a more physical and aggressive partner in the defence, given how he is calm and composed.
John Stones & his possible role at Tottenham?
He could be your ideal right-sided CB in 4-3-3 given if he were to replace Romero or rotate with the Argentine. He could bring that domination in possession and help change chaos to calm. Another would be to play as a defensive midfielder in a 2-3-5 build where he drops alongside Bentancur (or Wharton, given if the North Londoners sign him to make a double pivot-like structure).
Or lastly, he could play in a back three (3-2-5) where he fits in as RCB, and he brings that Guardiola-style zone control from the right.
One thing that is definite is that Stones will allow Postecoglou to bring more control and reduce transition chaos, and that will especially be crucial in games where opponents are trying to compact a mid/low block and looking to launch transitions.
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Author Opinion
Given the chaos that the North Londoners have in the middle of the park, there is a need to bring some calmness and composure, and there are not many players out there with the resume of Champions League-winning defender John Stones. Yes, there is a risk given his injury history, but the Everton academy graduate has the potential to come in and be that transitional man who can change this chaotic way of defending at Hotspur Way.