Anthony Gordon has starred for Newcastle United this season and has been rewarded for his form by being called-up to the England squad this month – and he has praised a Manchester City player.
Gordon, 23, has had a hand in 15 goals in 27 Premier League games for Newcastle this season as he finally proves the mammoth transfer fee that The Toon paid Everton for his services in January 2023.
Indeed, the former Everton man is set to play a role in England’s next two fixtures – as The Three Lions prepare to take on Brazil on Saturday evening, and then Belgium next week. Two exciting friendlies.
Gordon has plenty of competition on his first call-up, though. The likes of Phil Foden, Jarrod Bowen, Cole Palmer and Marcus Rashford will also be hoping to earn starts for England, ahead of Gordon.
Anthony Gordon raves about Man City defender John Stones
Indeed, the winger area is probably the area of Southgate’s squad which the Three Lions boss has the most to choose from. That, or up top, with Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney competition for Harry Kane.
In defence, John Stones is one of the best options in European football right now. Harry Maguire, Lewis Dunk, Joe Gomez and Jarrad Branthwaite are in the England squad – but Stones tops the lot of them.
Like Gordon, he left Everton to join a bigger Premier League club – in the form of Manchester City and he has not looked back. Trophies galore, 251 outings for City – including five Premier League trophies.
Gordon was asked for his best five-a-side team from England’s squad on YouTube. He picked Stones – raving about City’s £50m man: “I’m gonna go Stonesy. The best ball-playing centre-back in the world.”
Stones also picked Everton goalkeeper and former teammate Jordan Pickford, as well as Stones’ teammate Phil Foden. Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane were also picked by the Newcastle attacker.
Is John Stones the best ball-playing defender in the world?
There are plenty of other defenders around the world that may question that. Virgil van Dijk is very good on the ball at Liverpool, though he probably lacks the speed of though and agility that Stones does.
Alessandro Bastoni, William Saliba, Jules Kounde and plenty of other central defenders renowned for their ability on the ball come into the conversation. But none are on the same level as City’s Stones.
Indeed, you would place all your faith on Stones playing in central midfield – but you would probably be against any of the others moving up the pitch. Gordon is right, Stones is the best ball-playing defender.
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