Was talking about big Phil at work before & drawing parallels with John Stones current standing at City. When did he officially become a banter player? I feel like he’s been a joke for so long now it’s hard to remember a time when he was seen as a prospect. Was it around 2015-time he got given the banter player status? The transition seemed to happen so seamless I can’t remember. I do remember him being seen as a big prospect from 2011-13. Was it the Moyes season when the wheels began to fall off?
I think people started turning on our players during the Moyes season since nothing worked. I remember Jones playing well in midfield then, but struggled as a defender a lot .
Under LVG I remember him being mostly injured. Although he played when we had that great run vs Spurs, Liverpool and City. Then the Arsenal game had that funny moment I think with him down on the floor heading the ball.
Was good during Mourinhos second season apart from having injuries then too. Him and Bailly formed a great partnership that looked promising. Ended it poorly vs Hazard in the cup final.
Last year both of them had nightmares though under Mourinho. Did better under Ole when we won all games, but ended the season poorly.
This year he has barely played and it has gone pretty crap when he played apart from Tranmere game. Sheffield it was so weak for him to get tackled easily and it might suggest he has lost his physical qualities too.
I expect Jones got pretty low confidence at the moment and all his injuries is just making him physically worse. Although for a lower club he could do a good job if finding his fitness. Thinking about Burnley, Newcastle, Sheffield etc.