‘John can play as a striker’ - Guardiola showers praise on Stone, claims he can replace Haaland

Stones has been an important player in Manchester City in recent years and has hit a new form for his club.

The defender has been on a goal-scoring spree this season, with three goals in seven appearances in all competitions.

The England international scored the late winner for Manchester City against Wolves and also in their 5-0 thrashing of Sparta Prague.

Following Stones' current goal-scoring run, Guardiola compared the centre-back to Barcelona great Gerard Pique.

Speaking on TNT Sports after the game, as reported by Daily Star, Guardiola said, "When Erling is not available John can play as a striker. 

“Gerard Pique in Barca he had an incredible sense of goal and John is the same. He's already scored a few goals. He's back and I'm happy for him.”

The Spanish manager tipped the England defender to replace Haaland as the team's striker when he is not available.

Now that he has three goals, Stones is getting closer to breaking his season-long record, which was set in 2020–21 when he scored five goals across all competitions.