In his Arsenal Pre-Match Press Conference today, Roberto Martinez spoke about the quality of John Stones.
Asked whether he was able to handle a game with such magnitude, Stones’ manager replied: “I don’t think there’s any doubt.”
“The first time I saw John ready was agaisnt Juventus in the tournament in the USA.”
“I knew then that as a 19 year-old, he’s had very little experience of playing at centre-half but from that point on we’ve been working very specifically on the concepts of that position.”
“He’s been incredible in the manner he’s taken everything on board. His performances have been exceptional. Obviously there is a lot of competition for those positions at the club with Antolin Alcaraz now fully fit. I think Sylvain Distin has given us a real strength to be so consistent in the side.”
“John Stones has been the complete modern centre-half. He can defend in one-on-one situations, he can win the ball in the air, he can start the play, he has the composure to get himself on the ball.”
“He’s a phenomenal, phenomenal prospect.”
Asked whether he was ready for the World Cup call up, Martinez said:
“Well I’ve been in contact with Roy Hodgson before the season started. You’ve got to remember that John has been in the England setup before. He has been highly regarded for a while now.”
“He’s had the U21 captaincy already and I think that just shows how highly regarded he is.”
“I think the performance at Fulham is just a reassurance of how well he’s progressing. He’s something that is going to be very special as a centre-half in our football club and England will get the benefit of that.”
“John is a man that is ready for any pressure that is thrown at him.”
The interviewer at this stage chirped in with “Even a world cup?”, to which Roberto replied:
“Well that’s a bit too strong. You have to remember that young players with big expectations have to be given room to breathe and to let them develop.”.