John Stones has the potential to go to the very top of the game, according to the man who convinced then Everton boss David Moyes to sign him.
Former club scout Tony Henry, who worked under Moyes for seven years, spoke to the Liverpool Echo’s Phil Kirkbride about his own struggle to persuade the Goodison hierarchy to sign the talented Barnsley-born defender, and his former protegee’s bright future.
“When I watched him, he played mainly at right-back but I always felt that he was out of position,” said Henry.
“Everytime he got the ball and ran up the pitch, I just felt he was too close to the line, he didn’t look comfortable in that right-back position.
“He’s athletic, not big and strong, but great in the air.
“You don’t normally get right-backs who are good in the air but in a game with Blackburn, he was picking up Grant Hanley at corners, one of their best headers of the ball. Normally right-backs are on the post and out of the way but he was there, picking up Hanley.”
And Henry, now director of recruitment at West Ham, is certain that Stones has the ability to reach the upper echelons of the game.
“John will still make mistakes but in two years, I think he could be anywhere. He could be at Real Madrid.
“I’m glad he stayed at Everton because if he had gone to Chelsea or Man United he would have played, but I feel it may have been too much for him at the moment.
“But playing at Everton, alongside Phil Jagielka, Leighton Baines and Seamus Coleman, will bring him on even more.
“But that he is now a regular in the England squad speaks volumes of the kid. I’m delighted for him.”
