20 Jul 2015 12:57:00
With reports about the interest in Stones coming out I was wondering.
Who do you think is better right now and who will be better in 5 years time out of Zouma and Stones? For both of these questions I'd go with Zouma. Playing with Terry for a couple of seasons will help him tremendously with regards to positioning and anticipation. And his athleticism is already off the charts! So yeah, Zouma for me.
Who'd you say, guys? Eds 018 and 025, please share your opinion if you want to :-)
{Ed018's Note - I think they are on about the same level right now. Hard to say 5 years down the road. I do think they would be a good pairing together though in a few years}
20 Jul 2015 14:15:14
I agree with Ed018, i'd say they are at similar levels at the moment.
As for 5 years time, i'm not sure. i'm confident that Zouma will keep progressing because he seems to have a great attitude to go with is ability and physical tools.
Im not as familiar with Stones. He's obviously very talented though so if he has a good temperament he ought to go far.
20 Jul 2015 14:18:10
Haha maybe you're right, Ed. I'm probably a bit biased as Zouma could well be my favourite player right now. Every time I see him come on or tackle an opponent I can't help but smile and be happy. His performance against Fellaini was also thoroughly enjoyable, but I digress :-)
Cheers Ed.
20 Jul 2015 14:21:15
I agree they are of similar level now although different types of player. In five years I see Zouma as the Centre Back; his heading ability alone both in defence and going up for corners, once he gets his timing right, will be invaluable and as you say, extremely athletic. At present I feel he gets caught dwelling on the ball and caught in possession. Stones I see in any of the other defensive positions. With Zouma and him at 6'2"+, they will be an excellent combination five years down the line. At the moment I think he gets dragged out of position too easily BUT that is where working with Terry will improve them both as he is the master of position and managing a defence.
20 Jul 2015 14:47:25
I think they are different types of players. however could easily compliment each other further down the line.
Zouma is athletic, improving positionally but still raw when it comes to decision making & anticipation, though he has got a great recovery tackle to his game.
Stones is composed on the ball, seems to communicate well along the back line and under the right guidance will improve his all round game.
I get the feeling being tutored by Terry/Cahill will be beneficial to both players and as defenders they can only improve under the guidance of Mourinho.
20 Jul 2015 15:44:55
Just as an aside, Steve Holland will be well aware of John Stones and his potential from working with the England U21's.
20 Jul 2015 16:54:31
In five years from now both of them will be be world class players.