Everton boss Roberto Martinez will hope the 19-year-old's affection for his club remains despite reported interest from the Premier League elite.
"John Stones has been phenomenal," said Martinez.
"His level of performance, in such a demanding league, at 19 and facing players of different types and calibre has been exceptional.
John Stones sporting a Terry Butcher-esque headband [ACTION]
"He went to the Britannia Stadium and coped with a direct approach and the physicality of their dead ball situations.
"He has also faced a striker like Andy Carroll and then Wilfried Bony, and the mobility and clever play of Arsenal. For me, he has been sensational.
"There is no doubt in my mind that John Stones will become the best centre-half in England and he is reaching a level that I wouldn’t expect him to at such a young age."
Stones and Seamus Coleman (right) in action at St James' Park [EMPICS]
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