Manuel Akanji believes John Stones has everything required to succeed at Inter Milan, with the Swiss defender now taking on a personal role in helping his former Manchester City teammate settle into life in Italy.
Stones completed his move to Inter after leaving Manchester City, joining Akanji at San Siro and beginning a new chapter after a decade in English football.
Rather than allowing his former teammate to navigate the transition alone, Akanji says he has been helping Stones understand Inter's tactical demands, Italian culture and life in Milan.
Akanji Knows Exactly What Stones Is Walking Into
The move represents a significant change for Stones.
After spending his entire senior career in English football, the 32-year-old is now experiencing a different league, country and tactical environment.
Akanji knows the adjustment better than most.
The Swiss international made the move from Manchester City to Inter before Stones and has already adapted to the demands of Italian football. He believes Stones will make the transition quickly because of the qualities he developed during his years in the Premier League.
Akanji specifically highlighted the tactical difference between playing in a traditional back four at City and adapting to Inter's defensive structure under Cristian Chivu.
The Former City Pair Are Together Again
There is now a familiar face waiting for Stones in the Inter dressing room.
Akanji and Stones spent several seasons together at City, sharing the pitch during one of the most successful periods in the club's history.
Their reunion could prove particularly useful during Stones' first months in Serie A.
Akanji revealed that he has been explaining things to Stones, helping with translation and even taking his former teammate to a restaurant as he gets accustomed to his new surroundings.
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The friendship between their families has also made the reunion even more personal.
According to Akanji, their wives happened to meet in Ibiza shortly before Stones' move was confirmed, adding an unusual coincidence to the story of the two defenders being reunited in Milan.
Why Akanji Thinks Stones Will Adapt Quickly
There is one major reason for Akanji's confidence: Stones already possesses the technical and physical qualities required to handle the demands of top-level football.
The bigger adjustment will be tactical.
Inter's system requires defenders to understand different defensive movements and responsibilities compared with the structures Stones became accustomed to at City.
But Akanji believes that should not become a major obstacle.
His message is essentially that Stones already has the ability — he simply needs time to understand exactly how Inter want him to use it.
That could be especially important as Stones competes for a place in a defence containing Alessandro Bastoni, Akanji and other established options.
Inter Are Building Serious Defensive Competition
Stones has not joined an Inter squad lacking defensive quality.
The Nerazzurri have considerable depth at the back, with Benjamin Pavard also returning from his loan spell at Marseille.
Akanji believes that competition will ultimately make the team stronger.
Inter want to compete for major honours in Italy while also challenging in the Champions League, and Akanji feels having multiple high-level options in every position will be crucial to achieving those ambitions.
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For Stones, that means there will be no automatic path into the starting XI.
He will have to earn his place.
But after years of competing for trophies at Manchester City, that environment should be familiar.
Stones Has Already Given Inter a Glimpse
The early signs have been encouraging.
Stones has already scored during pre-season, providing an early indication that he is settling into his new surroundings.
The bigger test will come once competitive football begins.
Serie A will demand consistency, while Inter's Champions League ambitions will put even greater pressure on the defensive unit.
Stones' ability to remain fit and establish himself within Chivu's system could therefore be one of the defining storylines of his first season outside England.
Akanji's Mission Goes Beyond Football
Perhaps the most interesting part of Akanji's comments is that his role is not limited to helping Stones on the pitch.
He is effectively acting as a bridge between Stones and his new environment.
From explaining how things work at Inter to helping with language and showing him around Milan, Akanji is determined to make the transition as smooth as possible.
That could prove invaluable for a player experiencing an entirely new football culture at 32.
And if Stones eventually becomes an important part of Inter's defence, Akanji may have played a small but meaningful role in making it happen.
The former Manchester City teammates are now competing together again — this time with Inter's ambitions resting partly on how quickly their new defensive partnership develops.
Fan Debate
⚽ Goal: Can John Stones become a key player for Inter?
🔥 Fire: Is Stones still good enough to shine at the highest level?
😲 Shock: Could Stones actually enjoy his best years in Serie A?
👍 Like: Will Akanji's experience help Stones adapt?
💬 Comment: How strong could an Akanji-Stones partnership become at Inter?
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