Pep Guardiola has hailed John Stones as he prepares to hand the England defender an immediate debut in Manchester City's Premier League opener this weekend.
Stones joined City from Everton in a £47.5 million deal this week after a pursuit that had lasted most of the summer.
With captain Vincent Kompany injured and fitness doubts over Nicolas Otamendi and Eliaquim Mangala, Stones is likely to find himself straight in the side as City host Sunderland on Saturday.
Guardiola said: "Finally we could pick John up. I think it is important for us -- an English player, a young player, a huge talent, not just with defending but with his intelligence to read the next step, the next pass, behind the line.