A year ago, envisioning a scenario where Manchester City had a fully fit John Stones available for crucial matches to secure the Premier League title, yet Pep Guardiola opted not to field him, would have seemed absurd to a City supporter.
Stones’ pivotal role in the midfield during the previous season’s Champions League final made him a seemingly indispensable figure for the current campaign. However, a string of injuries and fitness setbacks have disrupted his season, limiting him to just 27 appearances.
Despite Stones’ significant contributions in the past, he has found himself on the periphery of the team recently, starting only one of the last seven games and failing to complete a full 90 minutes since the match against Real Madrid.
Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake have assumed his position, with Josko Gvardiol impressing as a left-back. Akanji, in particular, has been preferred, starting 18 of the last 20 games.
Even when Stones has been available, Guardiola has opted to utilize other options. Ruben Dias returned to the starting lineup against Fulham, and Kyle Walker came on for Ake after an injury, despite his lack of training.
This decision allowed Akanji to be shifted away from the right-back position where he was struggling.
Guardiola has confirmed that Stones is fully fit, leaving many to wonder why he has slipped down the pecking order. Guardiola attributed Stones’ situation to the impressive form of other players like Akanji and Ake, emphasizing the need for consistent performance in a squad as competitive as City’s.
Challenging Stones to reclaim his spot in the team, Guardiola likened their relationship to that of a father and son, highlighting the importance of Stones’ contributions both now and in the future.
Guardiola also mentioned Jack Grealish, who has fallen out of favor despite his previous standout performances, as an example of the meritocracy within the squad.
The situation reflects a new reality for City’s regular starters, where no player is guaranteed a place in the team, and performance is paramount.
Stones must respond to this challenge or risk being sidelined for the remaining crucial fixtures of the season, a stark contrast to his pivotal role in City’s treble-winning campaign just a year prior.
