Stones impact could be crucial for City - Houghton | OneFootball

Steph Houghton believes the return of John Stones could be a big moment in Manchester City’s season following his display in the Champions League win over Club Brugge.

The England international has seen his campaign disrupted by injury and his performance against the Belgium club was his first full 90 minutes in more than three months.

Stones showed his flexibility by moving between midfield and defence as we triumphed with a 3-1 victory in a must-win to continue our European journey.

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He claimed two assists, although the first was more down to the superb solo strike from Mateo Kovacic.

But there was no doubting the quality of the contribution for his second and City’s third, as his perfect pass picked out Savinho to wrap up a crucial win.

Houghton, who was a guest on Matchday Live, says Stones showed his huge quality and fans will be delighted to see him back to his best.

WATCH: Champions League highlights: City 3-1 Club Brugge

“He went into midfield more in the first half but Pep with his tactical genius, he’s kept him out of the space and he’s able to dictate the play from there,” the former City captain said.

“Savinho’s goal shows a lot of his qualities. We know he can step into midfield and dribble but he can play that sort of diagonal pass over the top of the full-back.

“Savinho does the rest and I’m not going to take away from his goal. John Stones in general, for every City fan, he’s come through, he looks fit, he looks ready to go and that could be crucial for the rest of the season.”

Victory secured a place in the Champions League play-offs where we will face either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich when the draw is made on Friday at 11:00 (UK).

Pep Guardiola says we will face two of the kings of Europe against current holders Real or the German giants who have also enjoyed huge success in the competition.

Now managed by City legend Vincent Kompany, Bayern are currently top of the Bundesliga and Matchday Live fellow guest Nedum Onuoha would love see him return to the Etihad for a huge occasion.

“Bayern is the better story, that’s the one I’d like to see,” he said.

“Real Madrid would be a great European game but to see a former player, a guy with a statue outside the stadium, bring his side here knowing what he does.

“Compared to other times like when he was at Burnley, knowing his team can get a result and knowing those pressures, I can see a different side of him.

“And it’s a different side that you maybe in the future, he might be a little further over in the technical area!”