62% Duels Won Including 79 Clearances & 12 Blocks – This 19- Year Old English Defender Could Be Perfect For Arsenal

There have been recent rumours about Arsene Wenger being interested in young Everton defender John Stones, who has impressed a lot this season in the absence of Phil Jagielka. There have also been other clubs interested in signing the 19 year old English defender as news came up that even Chelsea are interested in the signature of the player.

Here are three reasons why Arsenal’s move for John Stones will be a win win situation for both the club and the player.

Stones is a versatile defender.

John Stones is known to play both centre back and right back, which makes him a great asset for the team tactically. Stones can replace Bacary Sagna in case the Frenchman refuses to sign an extension. The Everton lad is also a few notches better and younger than current second choice right-back Carl Jenkinson, which means Stones will get to play more games. He also adds to the squad depth, as Wenger has lost faith in Vermaelen and may need Stones to cover at Centre Back in some matches where the first choice Centre Backs need rest.

A young prospect is best coached in Arsenal

We have seen Wenger buy very young and promising players and make them stars. Arsene Wenger has the strong philosophy and an expert managerial brain to handle the young prospects in the team. Among the big clubs, Arsenal is the best choice for any youngster as there is always the opportunity to play for the first team regularly as well as retain the place if  the young player can perform consistently, like we have Cesc Fabregas as one of the key examples.

Stones loves defending!

Young John Stones is a defensive minded right back and centre back, unlike Vermaelen, or Chelsea’s David Luiz. This is why he is among the top priorities for most of the clubs. His main priority is stopping the attacker rather than always on the attack. According to squawka, Stones has an average 6 defensive actions per game which includes a total of 79 clearances, 15 interceptions and 12 blocks and on top of that Stones has managed to win 62% of the duels he has been involved in – a testament to Everton’s defensive record in the league.

Despite that, John Stones is a good ball-player and can involve in passing moves helping Arsenal start attacks from the back given the pedigree of midfielders Arsenal have and are going to sign.

Watch his performances against Cardiff City and Fulham