Stones Is My Footballer Of The Year For His Ballons D'steel

There is a very, very strong argument – many might suggest it is indisputable – that says John Stones is not even the best center-half in his own team.

- Andy Dunn

That would be Ruben Dias. There is a strong argument that says John Stones is not even the second-best defender in his own team.

That would be Kyle Walker. There is a decent argument that says John Stones is not even the third-most reliable defender in his own team.

That would be Aymeric Laporte. But when I cast my vote for the

Footballer of the Year, it will go to Stones.

Because he has got them. Stones, that is. Cojones. B***s of steel. It will be a wasted vote, of course.

City has more obvious candidates in Dias, Phil Foden, and, perhaps for a body of work that covers more than one campaign, Kevin De Bruyne.

Ilkay Gundogan has enjoyed a stellar campaign and the eye-catcher at the business end of the season has been Riyad Mahrez.