Manchester City centre-back John Stones has said that he intends to improve on last season in order to be considered one of the best defenders on the planet.
The England international starred for his national side at the World Cup finals on the back of appearing 18 times for the Citizens in their Premier League-winning campaign.
Stones slipped down the pecking order in the second half of a memorable season, however, and now faces a challenge winning back his spot in the heart of City's backline.
Ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash with Arsenal, the 24-year-old has targeted a run in the side and hopes to justify Pep Guardiola's previous high praise.
"For me he's the best manager in the world and the trust he has had in me has brought me on so much," he told Sky Sports News. "It's the best place for me to be in my career. I know he's got all our backs in the dressing room as we would with him and I think that's why we're so strong and such a collective.
"Everyone fights for each other on and off the pitch and we keep improving because he invests so much time into each individual. He puts pressure on us to improve and he's seen the results.
"I 100% want to be one of the best in the world, but I know it will take time and hard work on and off the pitch. I don't think I will be in the team every week because I don't think anyone can.
"The amount of games are so demanding. But to be in the majority is something I strive for, I want to keep improving and striving to better myself and beat the targets we set last season."
Stones played 95 minutes for Man City in last weekend's 2-0 Community Shield win against Chelsea.
Daniel Lewis
