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Rolling Stones

John Stones is the best passer in the Champions League this season… and Manchester City’s top scorer with three goals already

MANCHESTER CITY continued their white-hot start to the 2017-18 season with a 4-2 win away to Napoli on Wednesday night.

Nicolas Otamendi, John Stones, Sergio Aguero and Raheem Sterling all scored on the night in Italy to send City top of Group F.

 John Stones had another terrific European night with Man City against Napoli
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John Stones had another terrific European night with Man City against NapoliCredit: PA:Empics Sport

In scoring last night, Argentine star Aguero made club history as he became the team's all-time leading scorer, eclipsing Erik Brook's 177 goals.

But it was a night to remember, too, for Stones - who scored his THIRD goal of the competition in only his fourth game.

The England centre-back, 23, added to his brace against Feyenoord in September with a headed effort early in the second-half.

On top of that, Stones' incredible composure on the ball in the heart of the Man City defence has led him to bag an even more surprising stat.

 John Stones scored with a second-half header during the clash in Italy
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John Stones scored with a second-half header during the clash in ItalyCredit: Reuters

So far this season, the City defender is the BEST passer in the entire Champions League, having completed 374 passes a tournament high 94.92 per cent.

That tally is enough to surpass the likes of Sergio Busquets and Marco Verratti.


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In fact, in the entire Champions League so far this season, Stones ranks second for most passes attempted as well as coming in top for most completed and highest percentage.

The likes of Ever Banega and Liverpool defender Joel Matip also rank highly, but neither come close to City star Stones.

Napoli fans chant and get fired up in the stands after scoring against Manchester City
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 John Stones is the best passer in this season's Champions League so far
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John Stones is the best passer in this season's Champions League so farCredit: Reuters
Napoli fans give Manchester City a hostile reception as they arrive at the team hotel in Italy

The ball playing defender has even scored the most goals of any Man City this season.

His three strikes see him sit level with Sterling - who netted in stoppage time in Naples.

Meanwhile, Aguero and Gabriel Jesus have scored twice, while Kevin De Bruyne and Otamendi have one goal apiece in this season's tournament.

 John Stones helped lead Man City to a 4-2 win against Napoli midweek
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John Stones helped lead Man City to a 4-2 win against Napoli midweekCredit: Reuters
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