Stones was speaking on the Official Man City Podcast, reflecting not only on the success built under Pep Guardiola but also on the impact new additions can make as City push for more honours in 2025-26.

The defender arrived from Everton in 2016 during Guardiola's first transfer window. That debut season ended with a third-place finish in the Premier League and no major trophy, but it marked the start of an era that has delivered 18 major honours, including six league titles and the 2023 UEFA Champions League triumph.

Now one of the senior figures in the dressing room, Stones sees similarities between the early days of Guardiola's rebuild and the latest evolution of the squad.

City strengthened in January 2026 with the signings of Antoine Semenyo from AFC Bournemouth and Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace - and Stones could not hide his admiration for the latter.

"Marc's great, he's such a good guy to be around. Very mature head on his shoulders," Stones said.

"I'm a big fan of Marc's, personally, for how he goes about the game, how he goes about his business and the qualities he has."

The pair formed a strong partnership during England's run to the final of UEFA Euro 2024, an experience Stones believes will serve Guehi well at City.

"We got to a final together, which was another incredible moment for us," he added. "For him, how he played throughout that tournament with new feelings and experiences, going through cut-throat games, I'm so proud of how he played.

"The partnership we had together during those weeks away - it was a pleasure.

"He will be an incredible signing for us for however long he's here."

With City chasing more silverware this season, Stones is confident Guehi's maturity, temperament and big-game experience will help maintain the standards that have defined Guardiola's reign.

Kaizer Chiefs ramp up January transfer freedom to bolster squad