In the biggest games last season, Pep Guardiola turned to Ruben Dias and John Stones.
In the Champions League against Bayern twice, Real twice, and then Inter, it was Stones and Dias. In the FA Cup final against United, it was Stones and Dias. And in the Premier League decider against Arsenal, it was Stones and Dias.
The roving role of Stones meant they weren't always next to each other in the Manchester City team but it was always a close partnership where both players knew exactly what the other was doing and could anticipate and accommodate as the game unfolded.
It cannot be said that they are not capable of their best without each other, yet it is undeniable that together they are a force to be reckoned with.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Signing a top striker is still ultimate goal
UNITED'S strikers were signed for more than £100m and have scored 11 goals between them this season, so it doesn't take a rocket scientist to work out a new forward is required.
If it comes to the crunch...let Nacho go
WHEN United's football committee went through the squad last summer and assessed who could be sold to raise funds to reinvest, they alighted on only a handful of 'untouchables, those players who simply weren't for sale, no matter the offer.
Omar attitude will appeal to Guardiola
EXCITEMENT is building among City fans as links with prolific Eintracht Frankfurt striker Omar Marmoush continue.
Doyle can be defender City are looking for
CITY'S interest in signing a center-back has naturally captured interest.
ICC must 'deliver own rules' on England game
DOWNING Street has called on the International Cricket Council to \"deliver on their own rules\" as the England team resists pressure to boycott their forthcoming match against Afghanistan.
Triumph profits stall as result of China downturn
TRIUMPH, the iconic motorcycle brand, has seen its profits stall due to an economic downturn in China and a drop in sterling's value.
Grooming gang probe 'would be distraction'
INDEPENDENT INQUIRY HEAD SAYS 'LOCALLY, PEOPLE NEED TO STEP UP'
Pledge to move 'as fast as we can' on dentists
NHS dentistry is at \"death's door\", the Health Secretary has told MPs as he restated his commitment to rolling out an extra 700,000 urgent dental appointments.
Gaining More Pounds
MAYOR WANTS TO INCREASE POLICE PART OF COUNCIL TAX 'TO MAINTAIN FORCE IMPROVEMENT'
Hairspray attacker told to 'get his life together'
JUDGE SAYS 23-YEAR-OLD COULD HAVE BLINDED HIS EX-PARTNER WITH AEROSOL CAN DURING ROW OVER COUPLE'S PET DOGS
