Premier League 2019/20: Manchester City's ideal backline for the upcoming season

CB: John Stones

Manchester City Training Session

John Stones was envisaged as Vincent Kompany's successor in the City squad. Since his move away from Everton in 2016, the 25-year-old has enhanced his reputation as one of the best ball-playing centre-backs in the English league. However, a record of nagging injuries has stopped him from nailing down a permanent spot in the starting XI.

In spite of Stones' Man City career being slow-paced thus far, the England international is certain to be handed a prominent role of marshalling the defence alongside Aymeric Laporte in the upcoming season.

Also, Stones himself is keen on the challenge of filling Kompany's big shoes. The defender said:

"There's some big shoes to fill - Vinnie (Kompany) set a benchmark at the club which I don't think can be done again. He's such a good person and for anyone who becomes captain, if they do half the job he did then they will be able to call themselves successful."

"He was such a key player for us, and will be missed by everyone, especially me personally. But it's a great challenge for me and us all to step up and grab the bull by the horns and run with it now."