'The same': Pep Guardiola claims £50m Man City player now reminds him of Gerard Pique
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Manchester City secured yet another huge win in the UEFA Champions League with a 5-0 win against Sparta Prague.
Erling Haaland again stole the headlines with two fantastic goals as City again made lightwork of one of the smallest sides competing in the Champions League this season, with Pep Guardiola’s side sat third in the league phase behind Liverpool and Aston Villa.
With City linked with Sporting Lisbon wonderkid Geovany Quenda before the game, it’s clear that the reigning Premier League champions are looking to get their plans in order ahead of the January transfer window in two months time.
Yet one City star won’t be replaced anytime soon after Guardiola’s latest comments.
John Stones compared to Gerard Pique after another Manchester City goal
Speaking to the press after the win, the City manager likened John Stones to FC Barcelona icon Gerard Pique, with the England international once again on the scoresheet for the Manchester giants.
Stones scored a last-minute equaliser against Arsenal earlier this month with the former £50m Everton star also bagging the winner this weekend against Wolves, keeping City’s title bid alive amid impressive form from Liverpool.
| Position | Team | PlayedMP | WonW | DrawnD | LostL | ForGF | AgainstGA | DiffGD | PointsPts |
| 1 | LiverpoolLiverpool | 8 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 15 | 3 | 12 | 21 |
| 2 | Man CityManchester City | 8 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 19 | 9 | 10 | 20 |
| 3 | ArsenalArsenal | 8 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 15 | 8 | 7 | 17 |
| 4 | Aston VillaAston Villa | 8 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 15 | 10 | 5 | 17 |
Indeed, Stones’ form has been nothing short of exceptional over the past few seasons with City, and Guardiola comparing the England international to a defensive great in Pique could be deserved given just how good the centre-back has been.
Guardiola said: “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.”
Stones is on course to become a Premier League great
With Liverpool’s Jarell Quansah watching clips of Stones to improve his game, it’s safe to say that the City defender is something of an inspiration for the next generation of Premier League defenders.
And with the centre-back now being compared to a legend as big as Pique, there’s every chance that Stones could become one of the greats in English football if he can maintain this level of form for the next few years.
Indeed, Stones’ form under Guardiola has hit new peaks, and City’s decision to sign the defender for £50m from Everton has proven to be one of the best transfers the Manchester giants have made.
