John Stones says he “loves” playing in midfield and will “100%” fill the void left by Rodri if called upon by manager Pep Guardiola.
The Spain star is out for the season with a serious knee injury and speculation has begun about how Guardiola will adjust his team without the key man in his midfield.
“If called upon, 100%,” Stones said when asked if he would step in from central defence. “[Rodri’s injury was] difficult news for us all to take. I spoke to Rodri yesterday and he’s doing well, recovered well. It’s sad for the standard he’s set over the past few seasons. We know what a key player he is for us and we have to look forward to him coming back. We know it’s gonna be a long time.
“We have a lot of quality and there are lots of players who can fill in in that position.
“He’s come to terms with it and he seems in good spirits. He’s over in Spain with his family and needs to take some time now to relax and recover as best he can.”
In Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Newcastle, Rico Lewis started alongside Mateo Kovacic in midfield but Stones has performed the role well in the past, most notably in the 2023 Champions League final win over Inter Milan.
“It’s happened a lot over the past two years,” Stones said. “It was a bit different in the Champions League final. I was a bit higher up and it was a new challenge for me, one that I enjoyed. Whoever plays in midfield has played there before and knows what is asked of them by the manager.
“I love it. It’s a totally different look on the game and appreciation for the game. Understanding the game, learning from a defender’s point of view when to receive the ball and when to pass the ball. I always enjoy it and try to improve every time I go in there and give my best.
“That’s all the manager wants from us, to go and show out qualities, because he puts us there for a reason. Then it’s about going out there and doing our job.”
