John Stones: I love Everton to bits
John Stones is enjoying his time at Everton and has even gone as far as to say that he loves the club to bits. The accomplished defender, who was signed from Barnsley a year ago, is making huge strides in his career and moving closer to becoming a first team regular following injuries to key Everton defensive partnership Phil Jagielka and Sylvain Distin.
Stones and fellow centre back Antolin Alcaraz have proved to be able deputies to the back-line and a couple of strong performances have lead to accolades and endorsements for Stones growing reputation.
“Hopefully I can become a big fans’ favourite here. I love the club to bits,” said the former Barnsley man when prompted on the rapport he has already formed with supporters.
“Hopefully I can get a few more games and play like that a bit more.”
Of his partnership with Alcaraz, Stones was full of praise for the tall Paraguayan. He sees both of them as calm ball playing centre-backs with a good understanding.
“Antolin is a great footballer,” he said. “Everyone has seen that he is so calm on the ball and I think we have gelled quite well in both games we have played alongside each other.”
Following his Penaka penalty against Juventus, Stones has built up a bit of a cult following and following the failed peneka by Jelavic at the weekend he was asked if he had taught the Croatian the penalty style.
“I didn’t teach him – if I had then it would have gone in,” he smiled. “I wanted it but I didn’t dare go over because I knew I would have been turned down!”
Should Stones be given a try at the next Everton penalty? Have your say at www.theevertonforum.com