Ashley Williams: 'John Stones one of the best I've played against'

Ashley Williams has said that John Stones is one of the best players he has played against during his career.

The pair met when Swansea City drew 0-0 against Everton last weekend.

"Watching him from my position, I could see he's the real deal," Williams told reporters.

"I had played against him before, so I knew what all the fuss was about. But this time I thought his ­performance was excellent.

"In fact, it was one of the best centre-half performances I've seen at the Liberty. There is so much to his game, and as a fellow central defender there's a lot there to ­appreciate."

Real Madrid are reportedly interested in the England defender after a proposed move to Chelsea fell through in January.