Ferdinand believes Stones still has time develop into a 'world class player'

Rio Ferdinand believes John Stones still has time on his side to develop into a 'world class player'.

Stones signed for City in 2016, joining from Everton in a deal worth in the region of £50million, with the centre-back arriving at the Etihad with a rich reputation.

But the England international has struggled for game time this season, with Pep Guardiola preferring to start Fernandinho at the back over the 25-year-old.

Stones was also linked with a move away from the Etihad during the January transfer window, but Ferdinand believes there is no reason why Stones can't become a top player once he eradicates silly mistakes from his game.

“I think he's got great potential… if he stops making the same mistakes,” the former Manchester United man told Robbie Savage's Premier League Breakfast show.

“The top players all make mistakes in the early part of their career. The top ones who become world class are the ones that eradicate the mistakes and learn from them.”

Ferdinand added: “John Stones has been very unfortunate with injuries.

“In that process of coming back and trying to rebuild confidence, he has found it difficult and made some mistakes.

“That's stunted his progress a little bit, but he's got time.

“He's not an old man. He's still got time to make them mistakes right and become a top class player.

“I know deep down he wants to be considered as a world class player.”