Manchester City have signed John Stones from Everton for £47.5m, making him the world’s second most expensive defender. “It’s an ambitious club with a great manager so I can’t wait to get stuck in,” said the 22-year old England centre-back. “I know it will be tough getting a place in this team, but I’m determined to become the best player I can be and help us to success.” The former Barnsley player was signed by Everton in January of 2013 for a fee of £3m. Now, after 95 appearances for the Merseyside Blue, John Stones will be playing for one of the biggest team in Premier League. But, is he really worth £47.5m? One must be very special, for a leading European club to be willing to pay £47.5m. Stones is regarded as one of English football’s finest prospect, yet he didn’t play a single game in the disappointing quest of England in Euro 2016. So, what has got Manchester City paying a huge load of money? Pat Nevin, the former Everton, and Scotland winger says, “He’s got scorching, absolutely coruscating, pace. He’s good in the air. But, his biggest asset is that he can come out of defense comfortably with the ball.” Stones Versus Other English Defenders  

Statistics from Premier League 2015-16

Although many former players have praised Stones for his calm and relaxed defending, Everton supporters criticized Stones last season for his reluctance to sweep the ball clear when under pressure. John Stones is the eighth signing for the new City manager Pep Guardiola after Ilkay Gundogan, Nolito, Leroy Stone, Gabriel Jesus, Marlos Moreno, Aaron Mooy and Oleksandr Zinchenckothis summer. City had splashed a total of £64m on a pair of new centre-backs in the previous two summer transfer windows; France international Eliaquim Mangala and Argentinian Nicolas Otamendi for £32m each. Moreover, they have Captain Vincent Kompany at their disposal. So, why did Guardiola need Stones? Pep Guardiola likes playing from the back, and he needed a ball-playing defender who is comfortable with possession and could bring out the play from the back. Looking at the possession statistics between the City defenders and John Stones, Stones nudges both of them. Stones Versus New Teammates

Statistics from Premier League 2015-16

With, the signing of John Stones by Manchester City, and Paul Pogba by Manchester United for a world record fee of £89m, the two Manchester Clubs have spent a combined total of £305m this summer. With this kind of lavish spending spree, is the Premier League trophy Manchester bound this season? Or, will Leicester surprise us all for the second time? Whoever be the one to walk out on top come end of the season, Premier League 2016-17 is definitely going to be the most exciting one. Images: www.90min.com, www.independent.co.uk