John Stones took a lot longer than expected to rediscover his best form, coach Pep Guardiola said, as he praised the defender's perseverance after Manchester City's 2-0 English League Cup win over Manchester United.
The 26-year-old center-back has struggled with injuries and poor form in recent campaigns but has found his rhythm this season forging a strong partnership with Portuguese defender Ruben Dias.
Stones opened the scoring in the second half against United - his first goal in three years for the club - before Brazilian Fernandinho added another to send holders City into the final for the fourth straight year.
"All credit to him," Guardiola said of Stones. "In a long career, you always have ups and downs. Unfortunately, he struggled longer than we expected - but his comeback is absolutely down to him.
"He made another outstanding performance. But the most important thing he has been able to do - something he has struggled with the past three or four years - is play four, five, six games in a row. This is so important."
Stones, who faced questions about his future at the club last season, said his resurgence was down to hard work. "Playing in these big games is something I thrive off. I'm trying to improve as much as I can."
City will meet Tottenham at Wembley in the final on April 25. They now have the chance to equal Liverpool's record of winning four successive League Cups.
Guardiola dedicated the win to the family of City great Colin Bell, who died aged 74. City players warmed up in number eight shirts in honor of Bell, who scored 152 goals in 492 appearances for the club.
Meanwhile, United's wait for silverware under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer goes on as they lost a fourth semi-final in the past two seasons.
"It's not psychological, sometimes you meet good teams in the semis," said Solskjaer, whose side also lost to City at this stage last season.
"We met the best team in England and we didn't have enough. But we're getting closer."
John Stones, with Ruben Dias, left, opened the scoring for City. REUTERS
