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Joleon Lescott supports Manchester City star after his return

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The former Manchester City legend Joleon Lescott trusts that the England international will find his way back into the first team.

John Stones now has the complete support of Joleon Lescott for his return to the first team for Manchester City. The ex-City man believes that the defender will be able to showcase his abilities despite increasing competition at Etihad Stadium.

Stones used to be a regular player in City’s team following his transfer from Everton in the summer of 2016. Pep Guardiola & Co. put in £48 million for the England international who aided the club win two Premier League titles and one FA Cup.

However, due to injury problems, Stones fell down the hierarchy in the roster for City. He consequently, managed to appear for only 16 games in the 2019-2020 season.

To add more concerns to Stones, Guardiola brought in Nathan Ake and Ruben Dias from Bournemouth and Benfica, respectively. This was right after Liverpool brushed the City side away to lift the Premier League trophy.

Subsequently, Stones only played three fixtures for the Blues this season. His recent playing time was seen in the Champions League win against Marseille on Tuesday.

Back in the game.

Nonetheless, Lescott, who also moved to City from Everton during his career spell has other thoughts. He thinks that the 26-year-old defender still has time to regain his spot in the team and is happy for him.

“I’m just glad to see him out there,” the ex-England center-back told City’s official website. “Obviously it’s been a difficult time for him with injuries and minutes out on the pitch. So I’m grateful he’s back and fit again.

“I think when everybody is fit, Pep could potentially have a headache and he’ll have a decision to make.

“I think the fact he’d brought two center-halves in this season in Ruben Dias and Nathan Ake is due to the fact that there hasn’t been a consistency in terms of fitness and form.

“Hopefully, he can see a partnership forming with Dias and Aymeric Laporte this season. But once again, Stones is a top player and given the opportunities, hopefully, he can perform.”

Furthermore, Lescott mentioned the importance of a complex fixture list: “I’m sure the incentive for the team is to get the job done. And qualification confirmed as soon as possible so players can be rotated and rested. It’s important that happens because there are so many games in such a short space of time.”

Moreover, the former City defender provided his analysis of Guardiola’s strategy for the win against Marseille.

“Overall, it was important to get a good performance against Marseille,” said Lescott. “We’ve seen a few inconsistencies in certain games this season, but this was what we are used to seeing. Dominant City from start to finish. Marseille didn’t have many chances and we set the tempo. And everyone looked happy, so it was a good night’s work.”

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