Ahead of England v Scotland at Wembley City centre-back John Stones earns high praise from former team-mate and Scotland striker Steven Naismith.
The Daily Star’s Iain Macfarlane reports: “The 30-year-old is also mates with England defender Phil Jagielka and said: ‘I will text them a couple of times, try to wind them up, do what I’ve been doing for years.
“‘Stones is potentially world class, in all honesty. He is the total opposite of every British centre half - ever.
“‘And that is probably why he is playing at Manchester City, where I think the manager there will be great for him.
“‘He is young and he has to be able to make mistakes. Especially down in England they are not comfortable letting them make mistakes without blatantly pointing it out.’”
Elsewhere there’s a ringing endoresement of David Silva - as if El Mago needs it - from his former team-mate and City striker Edin Dzeko.
Answering questions on Roma’s official website, Dzeko enthused: “I have played with so many good players but probably the best I’ve played with is David Silva. I used to call him ‘little magician’ because this guy was brilliant with his feet, he could take any ball you gave him, control it, and pass it on.
“All of us were always amazed by his ability and technique. He is definitely the best I’ve played with.”
Fernandinho and Gabriel Jesus earn bragging rights of Manchester City’s Argentina stars
Claudio Bravo forced off in Colombia v Chile
There’s a touch of transfer talk in the Manchester Evening News, with Atletico Madrid striker Antoine Griezmann potentially the subject of a cross-city battle. Potentially being the operative word...
Journalist James Robson writes: “Guardiola is also said to be an admirer of the Atletico Madrid forward - with Manchester City heavily-linked with a move next summer.
But (United manager) Mourinho is believed to be ready to explore the possibility of a January move - stealing a march on any rivals.
“It is unlikely Atletico would be willing to sell their prize asset midway through a campaign, with the Spanish club challenging for the La Liga title and the Champions League.
“But it is evidence of how highly Mourinho rates the 25-year-old, who has established himself as one of the deadliest forwards in world football.”
Finally ex-City boss Manuel Pellegrini has been speaking about life in China and his new club Hebei Fortune.
ESPN report: “Pellegrini could have remained in England, he said, but opted for a new experience and signed for Chinese Super League club Hebei China Fortune in August.
“‘I had offers from Spain, Italy and England but none of them were to guide a competitive club,’ he said. ‘The fact that Hebei China wanted me was important for me.
“‘It was not like other clubs that were also considering other coaches. This is a new experience in a different continent and comes after a long spell in Europe which was more than satisfactory for me in every aspect.’
“Pellegrini intends to see out his two-year contract with the Chinese club.
“‘I recently had a call from England but I turned it down because I’ve given my word and I intend to respect the two-year contract I’ve signed,’ he said.”
More media talk same time, same place tomorrow!
