Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher had nothing but nice things to say about Manchester City’s defender Ruben Dias.
Manchester City currently sit at the top of the Premier League and one of the biggest reasons why is their solid defense. Since Ruben Dias arrived in Manchester, the Citizens have managed to keep 13 clean sheets and only conceded ten goals.
If these statistics don’t prove that the Portuguese defender has had a major impact on Guardiola’s side, Jamie Carragher’s opinion may end up convincing you. A former defender himself, the pundit believes Dias has a quality that he also possessed in his playing days.
“Every defense needs a vocal presence like Dias. I was one, I used to speak so much to help myself as much as those around me. I felt it enabled me to stay focused, talking my way through a game, making sure I never strolled through or lost sight of where I or those around me should be.
“The best way to avoid having to make up ground against an opponent is to always be in the right place. Dias has that about him.”
Ruben Dias has ended the crisis that Kompany’s departure triggered.
There is no doubt that the 23-year-old center-back is a true leader. Moreover, it’s clear that Manchester City’s defense has improved a lot since his arrival. Despite his young age, Dias has the voice of command and pushes his teammates to work harder on the pitch. It seems Guardiola has found a pair of central defenders for many years to come in Dias and Stones.
“Good center-backs can make everyone around them look better. Just as there was a period when it did not seem to matter who Jurgen Klopp played alongside Van Dijk, Guardiola now has the same luxury with Dias. That is not intended to downplay the renaissance of John Stones. He too deserves much of the applause for City’s improved numbers.
“But when you watch the pair together, it is difficult to believe who is aged 23, and which of them is 27. For a young player, Dias’ qualities as an organizer are especially impressive. Joao Cancelo and Oleksandr Zinchenko have also flourished since Dias joined.”
Only six defenders have won the Player of the Year Award.
Although defenders aren’t often acknowledged for their impact on winning teams, Jamie Carragher believes it will be different this season. For the Liverpool legend, Ruben Dias’ impact is way too clear to go unrecognized.
“The strikers usually get the glory. Based on the criteria the award should go to someone who has had the single biggest impact on the destiny of the Premier League title. That makes Dias the current frontrunner.
“Should City win their third title of the Pep Guardiola era – and it is difficult to see who will stop them – it will be a triumph built upon their defense.”
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