Gary Neville: 'Pep Guardiola can turn John Stones into the new Gerard Pique'

By Giuseppe Labellarte, Reporter | 16 August 2016

Gary Neville believes that John Stones can develop into a world-class defender in the same mould as Gerard Pique under the guidance of Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.

John Stones can develop into a world-class defender in the same mould as Gerard Pique under the guidance of Pep Guardiola, according to former Manchester United defender Gary Neville.

The 22-year-old England international completed a £47.5m transfer from Everton to Manchester City last week, and made his debut in Saturday's 2-1 win over Sunderland at the Etihad Stadium.

Neville played with Pique at Manchester United before the Spain international joined Guardiola's Barcelona in 2008.

Speaking on Sky Sports News, Neville said: "I'm delighted he's gone to Manchester City, to Guardiola. It's the best club for him at the moment with the manager they have.

"You see a lot of Stones in Pique - a person who's not filled his shirt yet. Pique has become a monster. He's stronger, he's taller, he's more experienced. He's been encouraged to play and to be himself.

"That's the work that's been done with him and he's obviously played in a fantastic team at Barcelona. Pep Guardiola will try to create that same type of team and player at Manchester City."

Stones is expected to make his Champions League debut against Steaua Bucuresti on Tuesday.