Premier League legend Alan Shearer believes that Everton’s young centre-half John Stones would benefit from a move to Chelsea FC, as the Blues continue their pursuit of the 21-year-old
Although Chelsea FC have seen two bids – worth A?20 million and A?25 million respectively – for John Stones rejected by Everton, the Blues are likely to return with a substantially larger third offer for the Toffees’ centre-half before the end of the summer transfer window.
BBC Match of the Day pundit Alan Shearer has weighed in on the saga, opining that a move to Stamford Bridge would be beneficial for the young England international as he would be learning from the likes of Jos Mourinho and John Terry.
Shearer backs Stones to improve at Chelsea FC should Everton sell
The Toffees have thus far remained steadfast in their refusal to sell highly-rated youngster John Stones to Chelsea FC, but that could change should Jos Mourinho return with a significantly improved third bid for the defender.
Speaking in his capacity as a pundit on BBC’s Match of the Day (MOTD) show, Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer said that a move to the Premier League champions would be beneficial for John Stones who started and played the full ninety minutes in the Toffees’ 2-2 draw against Watford on Saturday.
“First and foremost, if Everton decide to sell him, and I’ve heard it said by Rio Ferdinand that it would be a bad move to go to Chelsea,” Shearer is quoted as saying by England’s Mail Online. “I think it would be a fantastic move – for two reasons.”
“One, because he’ll be playing under the best manager in the Premier League, and two, he’d be sitting, watching, learning off the best centre half that has been in the Premier League in John Terry and for that reason, I think he’ll improve and get better.”
Mail Online News – Chelsea would be a ‘fantastic move’ for John Stones, if Everton decide to sel… http://t.co/R7torXWB1U #chelsea #cfc
a Chelsea News (@cfcnewsnow123) August 9, 2015
Shearer’s MOTD colleague Danny Murphy agreed with the legendary striker, saying: “He can play in that Chelsea team, he wouldn’t go there and make up the numbers, for me he gets in that team ahead of Cahill.”
“I’m a big fan of his. He’s a clever footballer. He doesn’t just boot it out of play. He’s a thinker and a good athlete.”
Chelsea FC’s draw against Swansea highlights their need for John Stones
Although it would be unwise to dismiss Jos Mourinho’s current back-four on the basis of their admittedly poor performance against Swansea City, the match did highlight how Stones might strenghten the Blues’ back-line.
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The current Chelsea FC defence lacks pace – something Gary Monk’s side used to their advantage to great effect on Saturday evening. Striker Baf timbi Gomis was able to sneak in behind the defence on several occasions, one of which led to the dismissal of Blues keeper Thibaut Courtois.
Whilst a lack of sound defensive positioning and awareness compounded the pace problem against Swansea, it is clear that a faster, more athletic centre-back with quality on the ball would be of great benefit to the Blues’ back-line.
An injection of youth might just be what is needed to re-invigorate an ageing defence, and Jos Mourinho could well intensify his efforts to sign the 21-year-old having witnessed first-hand the defensive uncertainty in his side throughout their pre-season, and now in the opening game of the new campaign.
As it stands, Chelsea FC seemingly need John Stones just as much as he needs the Blues, if not more so.