Rio Ferdinand claims John Stones' progress at Manchester City has been hampered by Pep Guardiola's tactical demands and the injury-enforced absence of Vincent Kompany.
Stones, 22, has endured a difficult first season at the Etihad Stadium following his £47.5 million summer arrival from Everton, with the England international at times having been forced to sit on the sidelines with Guardiola selecting left-back Aleksandar Kolarov at centre-back.
Stones continues to be regarded as one of the brightest young prospects in English football, despite the teething problems at City which have led to accusations of over-playing and an inability to focus on the defensive side of his game.