Combined Best XI: Manchester City vs. Everton

Everton's English defender John Stones (L) tries to block as Manchester City's English midfielder Raheem Sterling crosses the ball as it goes out of play during the English League Cup semi-final second leg football match between Manchester City and Everton at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north west England on January 27, 2016. Manchester City won the match 3-1. AFP PHOTO/Paul Ellis / AFP / PAUL ELLIS / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images)
Everton's English defender John Stones (L) tries to block as Manchester City's English midfielder Raheem Sterling crosses the ball as it goes out of play during the English League Cup semi-final second leg football match between Manchester City and Everton at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north west England on January 27, 2016. Manchester City won the match 3-1. AFP PHOTO/Paul Ellis / AFP / PAUL ELLIS / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images)
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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 10: John Stones of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford on September 10, 2016 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 10: John Stones of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford on September 10, 2016 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

John Stones

The England international nabs one of the starting centerback spots for our combined XI. This was tough as his compatriot Phil Jagielka has played well this season, but Stones has been superb putting out fires in the Manchester City backline all season. It’s easy to see why Pep was willing to spend $50 million plus on the young defender. Plus Stones has the better speed over Jags to deal with the attackers in the EPL.