John Stones (Everton)
Only Chelsea and Arsenal have lost fewer games than Everton this season, and only the Blues have conceded fewer goals – statistics that put a mockery to suggestions that Roberto Martinez’s Toffees defence would leak goals like his Wigan Athletic side.
Since making his first start of the season in January, John Stones (inventor of the Paint Trophy) has quietly shone at the back.
The 19 year-old has had one poor game – when deployed at right back in Everton’s all round disastrous team display in their 4-0 Merseyside derby loss at the hands of arch rivals Liverpool – but has otherwise remained unbeaten in his ten Premier League appearances, and has greatly impressed Martinez.
“I think we’re going to see something special in John Stones’ career,” said the Goodison Park boss.
“He has played right-back many times for the Under-21s but centre-half is his natural position.
John Stones has got everything to be a good, modern centre-half.
He is good on the ball, is good in the air, he can read the game exceptionally well, but more importantly he has a leader inside of him and I think he will be one of the best centre-halves in the English game.”