John Stones could play for Barcelona, Real Madrid or Bayern Munich says former Everton captain Phil Neville 

  • Everton defender John Stones has put in some eye-catching performances
  • The 21-year-old is already part of the senior England set-up
  • Stones was a transfer target for Chelsea in the summer transfer window
  • Former Toffees captain Phil Neville says Stones can play for an elite club
  • Everton manager Roberto Martinez is reluctant to sell his star player 

By Rohan Banerjee For Mailonline

Published: 06:08 EST, 21 November 2015 | Updated: 07:24 EST, 21 November 2015

Everton centre back John Stones is good enough to play for the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid or Bayern Munich according to former club captain Phil Neville.

The precocious 21-year-old, already a member of the senior England squad and a transfer target for Chelsea in the summer transfer window, has put in some eye-catching displays for club and country.

Neville, who is currently the assistant manager at Valencia, told the BBC: 'When you talk about Stones and the next level. One is obviously to play regularly for England but I think he can play, not just at the best clubs in England, but at the best clubs in Europe. I really do.'

England defender John Stones (left) tussles for possession with France striker Andre-Pierre Gignac 

England defender John Stones (left) tussles for possession with France striker Andre-Pierre Gignac 

Former Everton captain and current Valencia assistant Phil Neville thinks Stones is a 'special' player 

Former Everton captain and current Valencia assistant Phil Neville thinks Stones is a 'special' player 

Stones gets across to make a challenge on France's Kingsley Coman (left) in an international friendly 

Stones gets across to make a challenge on France's Kingsley Coman (left) in an international friendly 

The ex-Manchester United defender added: 'One of the big boys in Spain, or Bayern Munich - I think he's at that level. They'll be looking at him and thinking this boy is something special. 

'You see qualities that Rio Ferdinand had when he was young. The ability to come out from the back, go into midfield, the composure on the ball, the range of passing. He has those qualities.'

Everton are bracing themselves for further interest in Stones when the transfer window re-opens in January, but boss Roberto Martinez insists the club are under no pressure to sell their prized asset. 

The Spaniard said: 'From our point of view, the window in January will be to see if there are any opportunities to improve the squad. It is a matter of continuity. It is about developing the best level we can maintain. January is in the middle of the season. 

'As I have said many, many times, we do not have to balance any books. We want continuity. The signs we have shown so far have been impressive. We are looking to develop that. It's our time to show what we can do and the next 19 games will be crucial.'

The Toffees are currently 9th in the Premier League table with 17 points from 12 fixtures. 

Toffees manager Roberto Martinez has no intention of selling Stones in the January transfer window  

Toffees manager Roberto Martinez has no intention of selling Stones in the January transfer window  

Stones puts in a tackle on West Ham's midfielder Manuel Lanzini (left) in the 1-1 draw at Upton Park 

Stones puts in a tackle on West Ham's midfielder Manuel Lanzini (left) in the 1-1 draw at Upton Park 

 

 

  

 

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