One of the players Pep Guardiola has improved and developed a lot at Manchester City in recent years is John Stones.

John Stones was already a very good ball-playing central defender when he was at Everton.

And, under Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, Stones has become even better and is now able to drift into midfield.

Gary Lineker praises Manchester City star John Stones Former Tottenham Hotspur striker and BBC Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker has been hugely impressed by the 29-year-old, who cost City an initial PS47.5 million (Sky Sports) in transfer fees when they signed him from Everton back in the summer of 2016.

Lineker said about Stones on The Rest Is Football Podcast: "He's amazing isn't he, the way he drifts into midfield?"

John Stones is at his best now In my opinion, Manchester City and England international central defender John Stones is at his best now.

MORE MAN CITY STORIES

Stones is 29 at the moment and is in his prime.

There have been injury issues with the Englishman, but when he is fit and in form, he is a massive player for City.

Stones always had the natural ability to play with the ball and come out with it from the back.

Under Guardiola, Stones has improved in his defensive ability, especially in recent years.

There was a spell when it did not look like Stones would succeed at City, but he has really stepped up his game in recent years.

The England international has been on the books of City since 2016.

You do not get to stay at the Etihad Stadium for that long if you are not a good player.

And, in my view, Stones is very good.

Stones made 21 starts and two substitute appearances in the Premier League for City last season.

The defender scored two goals and gave two assists in those matches.

The City no. 5 scored one goal and provided one assist in eight UEFA Champions League games for City last season as well.