What they say about new City signing John Stones

"He has fantastic talent, he's naturally gifted with the ball and defensively I see signs that he has great attributes. It's about moulding it all together. He's knowledgeable enough, he seems like a sensible lad and in time he will get it right when to play [and when not to]."
Former England centre-back Rio Ferdinand

"John Stones is a really, really good player. He's a bit like Rio. Now the position of the centre-back is not just about defending or being nasty or tough. It's about knowing how to play football, control the ball, pass and be more comfortable in possession. Stones is one of the new generation who understands football."
Barcelona central defender Gerard Piqué

"I'm a big fan of his. He pulls wide of the box and wants the ball – for a young defender to do that in the Premier League takes some guts. He is exceptional with both feet, he's a ball-playing centre-half which you need to be these days."
Chelsea captain John Terry

John Stones went to EURO with England©Getty Images

"He was always going to need time to develop his strength and size, but he's one of these players with natural poise on the ball. Nearly uncoached, not something you can really coach. He's got the ability to be on the ball, incredibly comfortable, similar to what Rio [Ferdinand] had."
David Moyes, Everton manager when John Stones joined

"I'm a massive John Stones fan. I think he's on a different level. This player could walk into Barcelona's team! He's absolutely brilliant."
Former England striker Michael Owen

"John Stones has the potential to be one of the greatest players England has ever seen."
Stones' former Everton manager Roberto Martínez

Former England manager Roy Hodgson©AFP/Getty Images

"He is comfortable, composed and look how good he is bringing the ball out. We believe in John Stones, there is no question."
Stones' former England manager Roy Hodgson

"I was at Everton when he signed from Barnsley. He's Rio Ferdinand-like; I don't like making comparisons but the way he brings the ball out ..."
Stones' former Everton captain Phil Neville

"He's been top-notch. He's such a young lad and he's dealt with it so well. We have good conversations on and off the pitch, he's the ultimate professional and he's done really well."
Stones' former Everton central defensive partner Phil Jagielka

John Stones, alongside Jack Butland, in his U21 days©Getty Images

"He's an excellent player, an excellent prospect and he has the whole world at his feet. Under Guardiola he's got one of the best coaches to learn from – that's good news for England as well."
Ex-England captain and centre-back Terry Butcher

"His performances in that time were beyond his years. I started with him at right-back to protect him but it was soon apparent he could cope at centre-half."
Keith Hill, Stones' first senior manager, at Barnsley