Redknapp Makes Van Dijk Comparison As He Backs City Defender To Make Arsenal Switch

Redknapp Makes Van Dijk Comparison As He Backs City Defender To Make Arsenal Switch

Jamie Redknapp thinks Manchester City defender John Stones could excel under the tutelage of Mikel Arteta if Arsenal were to snap up the centre-back this summer.

The Gunners, along with Tottenham and Everton, are believed to be the three teams interested in the England international, who looks set to leave the Etihad at the end of the season.

Redknapp feels that Stones needs to improve his decision making, and he made a comparison to Virgil van Dijk to back up his point that defenders can be late bloomers:


“Stones is still only 26 – the same age Van Dijk was when he joined Liverpool. He is young enough to mould but has only started once in the league under Pep Guardiola since January.”

“Arsenal need a centre back, and Mikel Arteta knows Stones from his City days. That could be a good fit.”

It’s debatable whether Stones can improve as a defender, as he hasn’t developed under Pep Guardiola despite being able to tap into the Spaniard’s wealth of knowledge.

Using van Dijk as an example isn’t exactly that helpful either as the Dutchman was already a superb defender when he was at Southampton. If Stones does leave, though, City fans would still wish him the best of luck.