John Stones says he has been hugely impressed with the way his teammates - particularly Fernandinho - have adapted to their stand-in roles during City’s defensive injury woes.
In the Barnsley-born defender’s absence (amongst others), Pep Guardiola has been forced to employ a makeshift centre-back pairing, utilising Ferna and Rodrigo in the home Champions League victory over Atalanta to good effect.
READ: Stones | ‘We have to step up for the injured players’
WATCH: Tunnel Cam | Guardiola’s half-time team talk
The 25-year-old has been frustrated to have had to watch on from the sidelines through injury over the past two months but hailed the contributions of his deputies.
“I’m massively impressed for the likes of Fernandinho,” he declared. “He’s played in numerous positions and played as if he’s played there his whole career.
“That’s the great mentality that he’s got and the rest of the lads as well.
“If asked to play different positions, it’s never second-guessed – the lads are always doing it.
“That’s credit to them and it’s something that people should look at and young kids especially: be inspired and take that upon themselves.
“It’s about helping the team and not putting yourself first sometimes and definitely, the likes of Fernandinho and Rodrigo have done that and exceeded in my opinion.”
Hear John’s pre-match thoughts in the video above...
