When we think of top scorers, defenders are rarely considered, but John Stones changes the game with the spectacular form he has kept lately. The English defender, earlier an immovable wall at the back for Manchester City, now scores decisive goals in crucial moments for Pep Guardiola's team. With this goal, Stones reached 19 goals for City, joining the likes of Emmanuel Adebayor and Paul Walsh, while surpassing other notable former players like Elano and James Milner.
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The Winning Goal Against Sparta Prague: More Than a Defender
John Stones once again proved he can be decisive in attack, scoring in City's commanding 5-0 win over Sparta Prague in the UEFA Champions League. Known for his ball control and how he reads the game, the goal netted by the defender was his third in the last six appearances. That is a great number for any player, but even more so for the defenders. Thus, this 19th goal for the Sky Blues puts him alongside some important former players in the club's all-time scoring list.
While Manchester City has much-improved personnel in the forward line in the form of Haaland, among others, Stones has become an "unlikely hero" as he presents a real danger during set pieces and periods of pressure. His header against Sparta Prague showed just how well the Englishman is positioned for headers and the way he makes full use of his chances makes him all the more important to Guardiola's gameplan.
A Truly Unique Defender
When he talks about those players, Guardiola is referring to players who can do much more than what they are expected to do on the pitch, and that is what Stones does precisely. A defender, confident in holding down the backline but with brains enough to change the game up front.
And the goal return keeps going upwards for Stones, and for that matter, the timing of the goals. In September, he scored his first goal of the 2024/25 season against Arsenal in an important game, saving a point for City in the 98th minute. The Gunners were on course to take all three points, but Stones was there to show like a savior that his skill stretches far beyond merely protecting the backline; he knows when to find the back of the net.
It is not an isolated knack of his to arrive at just the right time. Only three days before his contribution against Sparta Prague in the Champions League, Stones was instrumental once more in the Premier League. Against Wolves, with one point seemingly the limit of City's ambition along came Stones, going higher than anyone else to head in a goal in the 95th minute and seal the three points. That corner was from the feet of Phil Foden, but it was Stones who delivered the result that sealed the winning.
The Ability to Decide Games
John Stones has now cemented himself as one of Manchester City's most important players- not just because of his defensive strength, but also due to his ability to decide the matches. His two goals this season have already earned City an additional three points in the Premier League. Of his 10 goals in the English top flight, for example, five were match-winners, while one was important to securing a draw. The stats speak for themselves-just how Stones rises to the task under pressure, something so rare in defenders.
This makes him an all-round factor for Stones in City. He is not only the trusted man at the back for Guardiola, but also a constant threat in the air and during set pieces, which has made him a reassuring feature in Pep's set pieces. With the work rate of a defender and finishing ability at vital times like that of a forward, he is certainly one of the most complete defenders in the Premier League today.
Unexpected Comparisons with City's Top Scorers
At 19 goals, Stones reached the tally of Emmanuel Adebayor and Paul Walsh, two forwards noted in their City days for finding the net. Comparing him with strikers may have the ring of irony, but it is a huge praise for this defender, who from the centre-back position has managed numbers no one had foreseen.
Even though Sergio Agüero's record of 260 goals looks beyond Stones-after all, he is not the main attacking force-his influence on games shouldn't be belittled. His attacking contributions are extremely vital during instances of high intensity that, in the longer term, may prove the difference between title victors and runners-up.
Guardiola's Role in Stones' Evolution
No player develops without an exceptional coach, and Pep Guardiola has played his part in transforming John Stones. From a potentially good defender to one of the finest in his position in the world today, Stones has grown in leaps and bounds on both defensive and offensive levels of the game under the tutelage of the Spanish manager. Guardiola has spoken about Stones having tactical intelligence and being comfortable with the ball, two qualities he absolutely loves from his defenders. Indeed, Pep has used Stones as a midfielder at times.
What does stand out this season, however, is just how confident Stones has become in attack. He knows that, even as a center-back, he has the total freedom to push forward and, when the opportunity presents itself, to finish with precision. That's a confidence that years of work with Guardiola have given him-constant encouraging of his players to think outside the box, taking different roles within the same tactical framework.