Considering the world-class player John Stones has become, it would be interesting to discover the player who inspired him growing up.

Last month, Stones revealed that a player he used to love watching was Barcelona legend Gerard Pique.

The 30-year-old was often compared to Pique as a youngster — with Gary Neville claiming on Sky Sports in 2016 that he could become a player like the retired Spaniard under Pep Guardiola’s tutelage.

Whether the Manchester City defender has managed to emulate the World Cup winner is debatable — but one can fathom why the Englishman was inspired by him due to his similarities to the former Manchester United centre-back — in terms of his brilliant ball-playing ability, composed decision-making, understated demeanour and lanky frame.

However, the £47 million man idolised another ex-United player, who is regarded as a legend at Old Trafford growing up.

John Stones hails David Beckham as childhood hero

Speaking to England’s in-house media, Stones revealed that former Manchester United and England hero David Beckham was his footballing hero growing up.

“When I was really young, I would say [David] Beckham. I loved Beckham. I think just how he scored his goals, his free kicks and stuff.”

While Beckham was not a centre-back like Stones, he still managed to catch the six-time Premier League winner’s eye.

David Beckham is one of football’s most iconic figures.

Whilst having had an incredible career, especially at Manchester United, the ex-England captain was a global superstar in a way only perhaps Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have been in football history.

David Beckham’s incredible free-kick taking ability, the trophies he won and the fact that he went to other top European clubs like Real Madrid, AC Milan on loan and Paris Saint-Germain are two of the many reasons why he was idolized worldwide.

Stones is no different in this respect and with Beckham being English as well, he perhaps gravitated to him as a youngster.

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