Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has hailed John Stone’s goalscoring abilities, noting that the England defender can replace Erling Haaland.
Stones was on target as the Premier League champions hit five past Sparta Prague on Wednesday night. This goal came just days after he headed home a 95th minute winner at Wolverhampton.
The England international also scored a decisive goal against Arsenal and Wednesday goal was his third of this campaign.
Speaking after the game, Guardiola compared Stones with Barcelona icon Gerard Pique, who under the Catalan became one of the best centre-halves in the world when the pair were at Barcelona.
He told TNT Sports: “When Erling is not available John can play as a striker. Gerard Pique in Barca he had an incredible sense of goal and John is the same. He’s already scored a few goals. He’s back and I’m happy for him.”
John Stones celebrates after scoring the equalising goal against Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Haaland was also back on the scoring sheet. The Norway International notched twice with his second coming as a result of a stunning volley.
Guardiola said: “I saw it when the ball came in. It’s unbelievable. He’s a statue. So tall and so flexible. I like it, he has this sense of humour. Very similar to the Dortmund one a few years ago. Unbelievable. I don’t know which was more difficult, both very difficult. He had some chances but it’s difficult. He is literally on the penalty spot with three defenders and two midfielders – he’s always surrounded by five or six players. He’s so fast too that’s maybe why teams defend so deep.”
Man City’s victory on Wednesday night saw them broke Manchester United’s record for longest unbeaten run in the competition, taking their number to 26, although there is doubt over the validity of their haul.
