Gary Neville and Gary Lineker were among those to heap praise upon John Stones after he opened the scoring for Manchester City in the Carabao Cup semi-final against Manchester United.
City sealed a spot against Tottenham in April's final at Wembley as they aim for a fourth-consecutive campaign lifting the trophy, and took the lead through Stomnes early in the second half at Old Trafford.
Lacklustre defending from United allowed Stones to tuck home at the far post following a free-kick, putting Pep Guardiola's side on their way to another domestic final.
It was the latest chapter in Stones' redemption arc at the club, with the former Everton man fighting his way back to become an important figure in the side.
With the signing of Ruben Dias from Benfica in the summer, it appeared that the Portuguese defender would establish a partnership with Aymeric Laporte at the heart of defence, leaving Stones on the fringes.
That has not proven to be the case though, with Stones proving his worth and earning praise from Neville after his match-winning goal.
“He’s having a good run in the team. There was a time where I thought John Stones’ career at Manchester City may be over. Laporte and Dias - I thought they would have established themselves - and others," he said on Sky Sports' commentary.
"He was making mistakes, but he’s got a run and he’s playing well. There was a time where you felt like he couldn’t get through a game or two without a mistake, particularly in big games.
"It’s just the concentration, knowing when to be composed on the ball and knowing when to put your foot through it and clear it.
"At times, he took chances, maybe he didn’t have the concentration to be able to go through games, particularly in big matches, playing against the best players and seeing them out.
"It helps when you’re playing with a really good centre-back partner, and he is - in Dias. He’s been outstanding tonight.”
Former England striker Lineker also shared praise of the defender, as he took to social media and posted: " The renaissance of John Stones continues.
"Great to see such a talent look at himself, not sulk when it goes wrong, work hard and improve. Well played."
