Holgate looks a good prospect, but I'm convinced Stones will be a big star - that doesn't change just because we sold him or because Martinez made our defenders all look terrible.
I'd like to see Holgate play and excel at Premier League level for a few games before I start making predictions about him being better than the best defensive prospect I've seen in this country since Rio Ferdinand.
I agree and disagree with you there. Claiming Holgate is a star already seems far too premature and very deluded in my opinion.
However, people went over the top about Stones as a prospect. He is arguably the best 'ball playing' defensive prospect since Rio Ferdinand but he's no where near competent enough in terms of overall defending. I'd say Tony Hibbert was a far better defender at his age than Stones is.
Stones has massive flaws in the defensive side of his game. He switches off too easily, he isn't alert to danger, he allows players to run at him in dangerous positions, he doesn't use his height well enough to win defensive headers. That's before you even mention the risks he takes in front of goal.
On the ball he is already one of the best in the world at the back, and his last ditch tackles are excellent too but he has a lot to do to fulfill the potential a lot have seen of him. I hope he does do well though and if he can concentrate on improving his weaknesses then City will have got themselves a very good player.
