Pep Guardiola says John Stones must still prove himself at Manchester City after some inconsistent displays in the last few seasons.
Stones joined City from Everton in 2016 for £47.5 million but has endured an injury-blighted three-and-a-half years at the Etihad, and was dropped by England boss Gareth Southgate for the recent Euro 2020 qualifiers.
The centre-back has won two Premier League titles under Guardiola, but speaking before City's FA Cup third round win over Port Vale, the City manager challenged Stones to fulfil his undoubted potential by staying fit.
“He has the conditions to do it,” said Guardiola.
“But to be the best central defender you have to play one entire season, every three days being there.
“It depends on him. It’s in his hands and in his head to become one of the best.
“It’s difficult to reach the potential that he has, he has to be at the level to play regularly. The last three-and-a-half seasons he couldn’t do it.
“It’s difficult to know the reason why. Sometimes when you have a tough injury, for example like Aymeric Laporte this season, Ilkay Gundogan in the first season or Benjamin Mendy the first year he arrived, it’s unlucky.
“That can happen. But, in the case of John, I don’t know.
“I don’t know why he’s not able, why we’re not able, for him to be a regular for a long, long period, because he’s a young player.
“But he’s still young. As a player, he has his future in front of him.”
With Stones' future at City far from certain, claim that Arsenal are interested in a surprise move in the January transfer window.
Stones is reportedly keen for regular first team football in order to secure his place in England's first team for Euro 2020.
And with the return to fitness of Aymeric Laporte, his opportunities could be limited, especially with Fernandinho performing so well at the back.
Stones is represented by the same agency as Gunners head coach Mikel Arteta, and a source within the report claims that the defender is open to a move - even on loan.
“He was in London to see his agent last week and is due back again this week.
“He knows if he is to resurrect his England career he has to get more time on the pitch.
“Arteta is in need of defenders so it could be perfect for both of them.”
