Stones came in for criticism in the season where Manchester City lost out to Liverpool in the Premier League title race, but since then he has earned rave reviews for his performances with the Citizens.

 

Missing out some games due to injury, Stones has nine Premier League appearances this season, assisting twice in them, and is also part of the England World Cup squad.

 

 

Hawkins name-checked the likes of Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk and Sergio Ramos as top centre-backs, but stressed that the one he looks up to most is Stones.

 

The Queens Park Rangers youngster is a fan of Stones’ resilience to come through sticky patches and has hailed the Manchester City star as one of the top five defenders in the top flight when fit.

 

 

Speaking to Queens Park Rangers’ official site, Hawkins said: “In modern football, you’ve got the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Sergio Ramos who’ve been at the top for a while, but I’d say I like John Stones the most.

 

“He’s been through the tough patches, he’s made mistakes, but he’s adjusted and now, when he’s fit, he’s probably a top-five defender in the Premier League.”

 

 

Stones has over 200 appearances for Manchester City in all competitions now and has lifted nine trophies with them.