Just when we thought the transfer sagas were dying down with Raheem Sterling now at Manchester City and Christian Benteke at Liverpool – yes, David de Gea’s uncertain future is still ‘a thing’ – another has crept into the rumour domain… John Stones.
The four-cap England international is set to be the subject of a third offer from Chelsea after £20m and £26m sums were knocked back by Everton, and even though the Toffees are reluctant to sell, Manchester United are also in the running.
All the signs point to Stones moving on eventually – if not this summer, then probably next – but which destination would be best? Chelsea or United?
Well we’ve had a look at the positive and negative aspects and the Theatre of Dreams seems like a better fit than West London for the 21-year-old, and here are FIVE reasons why…
Playing time
At just 21, Stones needs to play if he’s to continue developing at his current rate. As such, there’s an argument that staying at Everton is the best possible option, but if he is intent on testing himself at a higher level – as any ambitious footballer surely would be – then United over Chelsea is an easy decision. Just look at the options… Louis van Gaal has Chris Smalling, Jonny Evans and Phil Jones, while Jose Mourinho possesses Gary Cahill, Kurt Zouma and the evergreen John Terry.
Of the two sides it’s clear to see where Stones’ best chance of action would be, with Chelsea’s defence having been the most frugal in the Premier League last season. Okay, there’s the argument that too much responsibility will be placed on the ex-Barnsley man at the Theatre of Dreams, but he has more chance of overcoming that than dislodging the Blues’ current options, and a season on the touchline could be detrimental to his progress.
Jose’s record with youth
It’s fair to say Mourinho doesn’t like to put his faith in young players. The Portuguese manager is the most pragmatic of pragmatists, and, this leads to his reluctance to go with the unexpected over the tried and tested. It makes sense and it’s hard to argue with his record through the years, but it should serve as a massive, flashing, honking warning sign to an emerging player.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek looks to be the one starlet Mourinho will go with this season, so it’s unlikely that he’ll be willing to go all-out to incorporate another, especially as his sides have always been built on a solid, defensive bedrock.
Van Gaal’s record with youth
Conversely, Van Gaal is a great believer in giving fresh talent a chance. The decisions to field the likes of Jesse Lingard, Tyler Blackett and Paddy McNair at the start of last season may have been enforced rather than chosen, but through the years he’s been instrumental in the formative years if many big stars’ careers.
Clarence Seedorf, Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Patrick Kluivert and Thomas Muller are just a few names to have made their full debuts under LVG, and his role in Memphis Depay’s transition to international football recently is proof that he’s still committed to the philosophy.
English players’ success at United
Typically, United have been a club to stick with English talent. Yes, times are changing and Sir Alex Ferguson, now retired, was a big driving force behind that approach, but the willingness to go homegrown is still woven into the fabric of the club, as shown by Wayne Rooney, Michael Carrick and Phil Jones’ roles in the spine of the current team.
On the other hand Chelsea have been partly responsible for players such as Shaun Wright-Philiips, Scott Parker and Steve Sidwell, among others, slipping off the radar – the former recently completed his slide by signing for MLS side, New York Red Bulls.
Suitability to LVG’s style
It’s no coincidence that Stones has looked impressive under the guidance of Roberto Martinez. The Spaniard is an advocate of fluid football based around technical prowess over physicality. With the young centre-back a ball-playing defender, able to step out from the back, his talents are truly at home in such a style.
Of Mourinho and Van Gaal it’s pretty clear as to where he’s most likely to be able to play in a similar fashion. Although Van Gaal is by no means an utter purist, he’s is more in tune with playing football in the ‘right way’ than Mourinho, who has often built sides based on brute power and discipline.
