Gary Lineker agreed with Gary Neville's verdict on John Stones after the Manchester City defender's resurgence continued against Manchester United.
Stones scored a rare goal for City as Pep Guardiola's side beat United 2-0 to set up a Carabao Cup final showdown against Tottenham.
It was the latest episode in the centre-back's story of redemption, with Stones having impressed in defence recently.
Last season it appeared as though his days at City were numbered, with the former England man often overlooked by Guardiola even when Aymeric Laporte was on the sidelines with a long-term injury.
This term, however, the 26-year-old has developed a rock-solid partnership with summer signing Ruben Dias, with Stones showing the kind of form that persuaded Etihad chiefs to pay Everton £50million for him in 2016.
“He’s having a good run in the team," said Neville, who was on Sky Sports commentary duty as Stones fired City on their way to a sixth League Cup final in eight seasons.
"There was a time where I thought John Stones’ career at Manchester City may be over. Laporte and Dias – I thought they would have established themselves – and others.
"He was making mistakes, but he’s got a run and he’s playing well. There was a time where you felt like he couldn’t get through a game or two without a mistake, particularly in big games.
"It’s just the concentration, knowing when to be composed on the ball and knowing when to put your foot through it and clear it.
"At times, he took chances, maybe he didn’t have the concentration to be able to go through games, particularly in big matches, playing against the best players and seeing them out.
"It helps when you’re playing with a really good centre-back partner, and he is – in Dias. He’s been outstanding tonight.”
Lineker was also impressed by Stones, taking to Twitter to praise the way the defender has taken responsibility for his performances.
"The renaissance of John Stones continues," Lineker tweeted.
"Great to see such a talent look at himself, not sulk when it goes wrong, work hard and improve. Well played."
City will target a fourth straight Carabao Cup triumph when they face Tottenham in the final on April 25, having won five of the last seven editions of the competition.
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