According to a recent report by the Daily Mirror, Manchester City have joined the race to secure the services of Ruben Dias from Benfica during the January transfer window. The same source has claimed that the Citizens are desperate to put an end to their defensive problems and has identified the Portuguese centre-back as an ideal candidate to bolster Pep Guardiola’s defensive options at the Etihad Stadium.
However, the Premier League champions will face stiff competition from their local rivals Manchester United in pursuit of the Liga NOS rising star (via the Daily Mirror). The 22-year-old has put in some stern defensive performances for Benfica since breaking out as a first-team starter back in 2017.
What Makes Dias The Right Fit For Man City?
Dias is a product of Benfica’s youth system and is currently an integral member of Bruno Lage’s first-team. He has made seven league appearances for the Portuguese giants this term, making an average of 1.1 tackles, 1.4 interceptions and 2.6 clearances per game (stats via whoscored).
Man City are in dire need of a new centre-back after Aymeric Laporte was sidelined due to injury. John Stones is also out of action at this moment which meant that Guardiola had to use Fernandinho as a makeshift centre-half to play alongside Nicolas Otamendi. The Citizens have been vulnerable at the back in recent matches which explains why they lost against Norwich City and Wolverhampton Wanderers so far this season.
What Will The Portuguese Defensive Ace Add To Guardiola’s Team?
Dias is a commanding presence inside his own box as he is dominant in the air due to his powerful physique. He has incredible strength which enables him to overpower the opposition in the air. The Portuguese prospect is also a reliable defender at the back and can make some vital interceptions for his side.
Dias will be a brilliant long-term addition to Guardiola’s squad as he has the quality to earn a permanent starting berth alongside Laporte when he returns from his injury in the second half of this campaign. At 22, the Portuguese sensation is about to embark upon the prime years of his playing career which the Citizens could look to benefit from over the next few campaigns.
The Amadora-born talent will not only be a good fit for Guardiola’s brand of possession-based football but will also increase competition for places within the Man City squad.
