John Stones says playing under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City is proving to be a "great learning curve". Stones became the world's second most expensive defender when he signed for City from Everton in the summer for £47.5m. He has started every game under Guardiola and helped City open the season with seven wins from seven games in all competitions. Ahead of their home match with Bournemouth on Saturday, Stones told Sky Sports how Guardiola's arrival at the Etihad played a key part in his own summer move. "It's a great learning curve for me and it's one of the reasons why I wanted to come and further my career and hopefully keep progressing as a player and a person," he said. Stones has started every game under Guardiola.
"Every footballer that watches football saw the big games in Spain and Germany, it's hard to get away from it when managers are so successful, and you like to watch. "He has brought the style of play he has had previously here, and I like to play that way." Stones has come in for criticism in the past for sometimes overplaying the ball at the back but says he is enjoying Guardiola's style. "I am in different positions, learning where to be and where my team-mates are," he added. "It's realising where your team-mates are and trying to fill another position. It keeps you on your toes and thinking. "It sounds complicated but it's not. It's great learning these new things, especially as a young lad."
City's latest arrival is Claudio Bravo, who has taken over as first-choice goalkeeper after joining from Barcelona. Claudio Bravo was not entirely convincing on his debut. Although he made an error that led to a goal on his debut against Manchester United, Stones has backed Bravo to succeed. "He knows what he is doing," said the defender. "Against United he made some big decisions and they came off. He is experienced enough to know what to do. "Every player can take scrutiny and knows there are different opinions because that's the way the world is, you have to respect that and do your own thing. That's what he has done, which shows great character."
