This is the Manchester City XI that can catch Premier League leaders Chelsea

John Stones

He has received a fair bit of criticism this season, but there’s no doubt that John Stones can go on and become a world-class defender.

The 22-year-old has made several high-profile errors over the course of the season, the most recent one against former club Everton a few weeks ago, but Guardiola is encouraging him to play the way he wants, which means bringing the ball out of defence, and retaining possession in his own half and penalty box.

Stones will make errors, he’s only 22 and the way he plays always runs that risk, yet if he can build his confidence up playing that way, and indeed know when and when not to do so, then he’ll be the defender Guardiola wants in the heart of his City backline.