THERE’S a sense John Stones (£5m) could be a pivotal figure in Dream Team this coming season.
The so-called Barnsley Beckenbauer’s stock has arguably never been as high as it is right now off the back of his significant contribution to Manchester City’s treble.
Having made his name as a ball-playing centre-back, Stones excelled in a hybrid role at the back end of 2022/23 to make Pep Guardiola’s 3-2-4-1 formation as effective as possible.
The 29-year-old’s performances against Real Madrid and Inter Milan when the stakes were highest in the Champions League were truly remarkable; he combined his defensive diligence with composed passing and immense press resistance reminiscent of Sergio Busquets.
Dream Team’s third-most popular defender at the time of writingCredit: DREAM TEAM
It remains to be seen whether Stones will continue to play alongside Rodri (£4m) in defensive midfield when in possession but it would be a surprise if Guardiola abandoned the set-up that served him so well last term.
The England international is categorised as a defender in Dream Team for 2023/24, meaning he will earn five points for every clean sheet to which he contributes at least 60 minutes of playing time.
This is notable as out-and-out defensive midfielders do not benefit directly from clean sheets.
However, Dream Team’s improved scoring system should mean more returns for the likes of Rodri, Declan Rice (£3.5m), Moises Caicedo (£2.5m) and company.
Guardiola’s tactical innovation has given Stones a fresh dynamic in Dream TeamCredit: GETTY
This season, players will earn one point for every two successful tackles – a metric traditionally dominated by combative midfielders.
Plus, with bonus points determined by interceptions, pass completion rate, blocks and fouls won (among other stats) 2023/24 could be the season defensive midfielders are properly recognised in the world of Dream Team.
And this is why Stones is such an appealing prospect, he may be able to enjoy the best of both worlds; a defender’s clean sheet privilege and the steady returns that should accompany busy midfield work.
Naturally, he’ll start at a price befitting an asset with sky-high potential, only three defenders cost more than £5m prior to Gameweek 1: Ruben Dias (£5.5m), Kieran Trippier (£6m), Trent Alexander-Arnold (£6m).
So far, Stones’ lofty price tag isn’t deterring Dream Team gaffers at this stage as his ownership of 20.6% makes him the third-most popular defender.
