Reid: For me, there are few - if any - better than Stones | OneFootball

Former City boss Peter Reid believes a fully fit John Stones is one of the best – if not the best – defenders in the world.

Reid, who played and managed City from 1989 to 1993, was a guest on this weekend’s Matchday Live show along with former Chelsea striker Tore Andre Flo.

And Reid was effusive in his praise for Stones, and Omar Marmoush.

“It was important that John Stones came on and got some game time and he calmed things down, was always in the right place and available,” said Reid.

“He has such quality, never got fazed and is absolutely outstanding.

“When he's on the pitch, there aren't any better than him in my opinion, so along with the two lads who made their debut, there were a lot of positives for City - it was a must-win and a deserved victory as well.

“And I was very impressed with Omar Marmoush – he was desperate to score and he looked hungry.

“In the second half, he ran back 40 yards to win possession and then came out with the ball and if you have someone who is willing to work hard to help his team like that, you’ve got a real player.”

Andre Flo agreed with Reid’s assertion on Stones, adding that he believes the City defender to be “world class”.

He was also impressed by fellow Norwegian Erling Haaland’s contribution against Chelsea.

“What can you say about Erling? “ he said,

“You can't say he's not good or not good at that - he scores you goals and wins you games.

“Haaland did really well and was really strong - he exploited the space at the back, and I could sort of see it coming because of the high line Chelsea had and I thought City thoroughly deserved the win.

“Every team in the world is looking for a striker that scores you goals regularly and you certainly have that here!

“He showed his strength and ability to set a goals up as well .”

And Andre Flo believes Phil Foden is starting to show his very best form again, too, adding: “He's a brilliant player - he's quick and he's starting to score goals again and playing better and better.

“He's a very important player and if he gets back to his best, City are going to be very difficult to beat.

“I do feel that, when I look at both clubs, City are quite a bit ahead of Chelsea at the moment and there's a bit of a gap at the moment that Chelsea need to close.”