![]() ![]() It isn’t a brilliant move, but it’s a gamble that most managers are too conservative to make. Playing Stones in a different position would be just that type of choice. That pressure on Martinez should be the impetus for thinking outside the box. Some have even called for Martinez to be sacked as a result. Fans are understandably frustrated at the struggles of a side that has world-class talent like Romelu Lukaku, Ross Barkley and Stones. It might make sense for Martinez to continue to play Barry against teams with potent attacks, but when Everton is going to have the lion’s share of possession, playing Stones would be the smarter choice.Ĭritics of Everton this season point out that they may have their most talented squad ever, yet are languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League table. He’s a wily veteran who knows how to position himself perfectly, whereas Stones would be learning on the job. The one advantage Barry has over Stones in the defensive midfield, is his positional awareness. Whereas his forays forward were inappropriate for a central defender, they’d be seen as enterprising from a defensive midfielder. He has more foot speed, quickness and skill on the ball than the aging veteran. In terms of athleticism and skill, Stones has the advantage over Barry at this point in their careers. Everton: Why the Yerry Mina injury blow could prove to be huge.For Everton, inconsistency means a vibrant transfer window is necessary.Everton: Where can Wilfried Zaha fit best with the Toffees?.Everton showing Barca and Madrid how to manage their former talent.Everton’s vibrant attack have led them to a dream start.Much like Mauricio Pochettino did with Eric Dier earlier this season at Tottenham, Martinez could shift his young, talented defender further forward to maximize his value. It seems to be a strange suggestion at first, but when you think about it for a moment it makes perfect sense. Stones would be an upgrade over Gareth Barry in Everton’s defensive midfield. What I am suggesting, is that Stones talent on the ball and desire to surge forward make him a terrific candidate to play slightly further forward. I’m not suggesting that Martinez take a page out of Tony Pulis’ book and start deploying centre backs all along the back four. Central defense isn’t the only place that John Stones can provide value for Martinez. That doesn’t mean that Martinez has to break up his centre back pairing of Phil Jagielka and Ramiro Funes Mori though. Martinez must get Stones into the lineup to maximize his team’s chances of winning. While one can understand Martinez’s concern about his erratic play this season, continuing to leave the English international on the bench is not the best thing for the club. ![]() There’s no question that Stones is one of the most talented players at Everton.
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