Chelsea: Can John Stones follow in Ross Barkley’s footsteps?
By Jake Leach
Chelsea have been linked to John Stones in transfer speculation. Could he kick start his career at Stamford Bridge like former team mate Ross Barkley?
Stones has been hugely out of favor at Manchester City after only playing 24 games this season out of a possible 59. Much of that was injury enforced, but he was fit for much of the second half of the season. This is significant because Pep Guardiola has had defensive issues throughout the 2019/2020 season. Stones, a natural centerback, was not the replacement.
His career has stalled after coming under pressure at The Etihad due several on going mistakes in defense. Frank Lampard could kick start his career if a move to West London is on the cards.
The Barnsley born defender would not of expected this return when he joined the Cityzens for £50 million, including add-ons, in August 2016.
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The same age as Stones, Barkley joined Chelsea in January 2018 for £15 million. The midfielder’s progression at Goodison Park halted after a hamstring injury in 2017. Evertonians were left furious with Barkley after they thought he unfairly treated the club with his departure. He spent all his rehabilitation process at Everton, before leaving for Chelsea in the new year.
Since moving to London, there is no doubt his profile has risen after adding silverware to his trophy cabinet. An FA Cup and a Europa League medal has been secured in the two years he has been at the club.
Trophies have not been an issue for Stones, but regular game time has been. His mantelpiece includes two Premier League medals, an FA Cup and two Carabao Cups.
He has spent four seasons at City. But after only playing 133 games in this time, it is safe to say his career in Manchester has been unsuccessful in terms of what was expected.
Minutes on the field is something in which Barkley has gotten plenty of since moving to the Bridge. He added something different to the Chelsea side initially under Antonio Conte, then Maurizio Sarri and now Frank Lampard. He has played 83 games since his arrival in 2018. His contribution has been 10 goals and 11 assists. This means he averages a goal contribution every three games when on the field.
The role of the number eight has been coming off the bench, making an impact in the latter quarter of the game. He has only completed 90 minutes three times in the last 16 Premier League games. This is a testament to his numbers. Contributing a goal every three games, with game time mostly off the bench, means he is always an option if things are not going as predicted. A brilliant squad player.
Can the Manchester City number five expect a similar career enhancement? He would certainly improve Chelsea due to the current Stamford Bridge defensive frailties. Stones has been known for playing out from the back. This would attract Frank Lampard and his side’s style of play.
The defense at Chelsea has been highlighted as a critical area to improve in the coming transfer window. They have leaked the most goals in the top 10 of the Premier League with 54.
Stones has had his own defensive issues throughout his time at City, but there is a reason they paid the big fee for him. It was the second highest fee for a defender at the time, just behind David Luiz for £50 million.
His last five games in the Premier League included three clean sheets. This is something in which Chelsea did not have enough of last season after only keeping eight in the league.
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It is yet to be confirmed where Stones will play his football next season. The debate will continue, unless, he signs on the dotted line for Chelsea and shows his ability to play at the top level.