Premier League: Most Valuable XI, 2018/19 Season

Centre-Back: John Stones (Manchester City)

John Stones has learned quickly under Guardiola to become England's first-choice defender

Signed for: £47.5m in 2016

Current Market Value: £49.5m

A transfer saga that took ages to come to fruition, John Stones sealed his dream move to Manchester City from Everton when Pep Guardiola was appointed City boss.

A target for Jose Mourinho during his time at Chelsea, Everton had fought tooth and nail to keep him in 2015 but relented in 2016. A sell-on clause meant that even Barnsley received about £8m.

Stones has been on a steep learning curve since his transfer. Aged only 24, he has made his fair share of mistakes but he has put in sublime performances too.

When rumours circulated that he could leave City over the summer, Guardiola put an end to them all.

"I don’t know how long I will be here in Manchester, but as long as I’m here, John Stones will be with us!" - Pep Guardiola