Michail Antonio has praised Manchester City’s John Stones for his crucial finish that kickstarted his team’s scoring against Liverpool.
Stones, the English defender, sealed off a cleverly executed set-piece by City, courtesy of a precise delivery from Kevin De Bruyne into the Reds’ penalty area, catching them off guard. With Nathan Ake drawing Alexis Mac Allister towards him, Stones found himself unmarked, positioned perfectly to slot the ball into the net effortlessly.
Antonio emphasizes that the brilliance of Stones’ finish might be overlooked by many, especially considering his defensive role. Despite the goal coming from close range, executing such a finish is far from simple for a defender, highlighting Stones’ skill and composure in front of goal.
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‘Dream’… 21-year-old Man City gem now says he would love to work with Pep, he could replace Walker one day
The 21-year-old, currently on loan at Girona, has consistently been seen as a promising talent, and truth be told, he has proven himself in Spain.
Yet, the lingering question has always been whether Couto could ultimately excel at the Etihad Stadium.
Pedro Porro, another skilled right-back signed by Girona in 2017 before his transfer to City in 2019, found himself loaned out to Real Valladolid and Sporting CP before being sold to the latter in 2022.
Despite Porro’s evident talent, showcased in Portugal and later for Tottenham Hotspur, he fell short of meeting the standards for the Sky Blues.
Yan Couto expresses a “dream” to play under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. However, the Brazilian’s situation may differ from that of the Spurs defender, as a report in late January suggested he is seen as the long-term successor to Kyle Walker at City.
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‘Outrageously brilliant’… Gary Lineker left wowed by £225,000-a-week Man City player against Copenhagen
Gary Lineker praises the “exceptionally brilliant” Phil Foden following Manchester City’s victory over Copenhagen. Despite earning £225,000 per week (according to Sport Rac), Foden’s impact extended beyond his goal in the 92nd minute when he converted Kevin De Bruyne’s cut-back.
While acknowledging the team’s solid, if unspectacular, performance against Copenhagen, Lineker specifically commends Foden for his outstanding contribution. Rio Ferdinand also highlights Foden as Manchester City’s standout player throughout the season, emphasizing his importance to the team.
Lineker describes Foden as “outrageously brilliant,” a sentiment echoed by Ferdinand, who notes Foden’s consistent excellence on the field. Foden’s versatility is highlighted, with his adeptness in both traditional right-wing and central positions causing problems for Copenhagen. His technical prowess, intelligent passing, and quick thinking make him a constant threat, earning him accolades from Lineker for being a joy to watch.
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‘The enemy’… Sir Jim Ratcliffe now makes his feelings clear about Manchester City
The minority shareholder of Manchester United has previously lauded the efficient management of City as a football club, yet he has labeled them as “the enemy.” At 71 years old, he has openly declared his intention to dethrone the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool, reminiscent of Sir Alex Ferguson’s famous remark directed at the Reds. The British billionaire has also voiced his desire to defeat the Sky Blues on the field rather than banking on their alleged financial violations being confirmed by the Premier League.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe openly acknowledges his “hatred” for Manchester City. Being a lifelong Manchester United supporter, he has seemingly embraced the rivalry between his cherished club and City.
When asked which team he would prefer to see win the Premier League title among Manchester City, Liverpool, and Arsenal, Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s response was unequivocal: “I hate them all!”
