Former Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott says John Stones is in ‘form of his life’ after standout performances

John Stones is “in the form of his life” right now, according to former Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott.

Man City are in action against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday night as they look to book their spot in the Champions League semi-finals for the third consecutive season.

Ahead of the game, Lescott told the BT Sport studio that City defender Stones was “full of confidence” and that there “aren’t many players with his capability” as he thrive in a new role in the team.

“He’s been unique this season, he’s made that role into his own,” Lescott said as he analysed Stones’ more advanced position in Man City’s set-up.

“You’ve seen other teams adopt a similar style, but the way he’s performing with the ball at his feet, his recognition of patterns, he’s picking up spaces, identifying where the next pass is.

“There are not many players with that capability and he’s obviously full of confidence.

Stones has adopted a free role just in front of a defensive back three for Man City, which has enhanced his contribution to the team in midfield, as well as his attacking output.

“They’ve [Man City] got defenders that want to defend and are very capable of doing that, but the position of Stones has been very key, the way he’s playing and the way he’s been utilised now are very different,” former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand said.

“It’s a unique situation for him because it’s somebody you think at this stage in his career, he’s been told to do new things. He’s embraced it, and he’s been magnificent.

“He’s been fabulous in that role, Pep [Guardiola] has been teaching him constantly, and he’s really growing into it.”