NO DIAS STRAITS
Pep hails ‘Mr Reliable’
PEP GUARDIOLA has saluted Ruben Dias as Manchester City’s new “Mr Reliable”.
Dias was not cheap, arriving at The Etihad for £61million from Benfica at the end of the summer transfer window.
But the robust centre-back has quickly emerged as an influential leader in City’s defence and Guardiola believes they’ve unearthed a gem.
Dias is proving real value for money, with Guardiola delighted the Portuguese star can cope with the overload of games during the Covid crisis.
The City boss may be tempted to rest Dias for today’s FA Cup clash with Birmingham – but he knows the defender could easily manage to play through another 90 minutes.
Despite a hectic schedule Dias, 23, has only missed one of City’s last 12 games and in the 11 he’s played, City have kept eight clean sheets.
Guardiola said: “That says a lot and that’s the best thing. You make a big signing but you know the influence in the team is important when he’s able to play every three days.
“In the best sides it is when a player can play every three days.
“The quality is always there but when you have a player and he’s injured every two or three weeks, or has to stop every month, that’s not good for the team or the club.
“When you buy a player you always think, ‘We have a squad now,’ but you never know what will happen.
“But he can play every three days and recover immediately. His ability is incredible and he wants to learn and understands the game.”
The impact made on City’s defence by Dias – and Guardiola’s dig at injury-prone players – isn’t good news for Aymeric Laporte, who has only played eight games this season. The Frenchman, recovering from a hamstring injury, has had a stop-start campaign and was dropped after City’s 2-0 defeat Tottenham in November – leaving Dias to form an impressive partnership with John Stones.
“We’re all impressed by Ruben and his body and mind every day,” added Guardiola.
“The way he’s come in and what he’s done has surprised us a lot. In the gym he makes his routine, he lives 24 hours for his profession at 23 years old.
“I can assure you we have signed an incredible player for the next five, six or seven years and that’s why we are so fortunate because they are not easy to find.”
Guardiola has also acknowledged the composure of American back-up keeper Zack Steffen – and claimed he can challenge Covid victim Ederson for more games.
Signed from MLS side Columbus Crew for £4.5m 18 months ago, the stopper, 25, has helped City to wins at Manchester United and Chelsea with Ederson sidelined.
Guardiola said: “He can fight to be in the No.1 position. So, yes, he can put pressure on Ederson.
“Ederson has to be good because he has to know that Zack is there. But Edy is the No.1 for the position right now.
“What is important is now and we cannot forget that Zack played well at Stamford Bridge and Old Trafford in tough games and he solved situations brilliantly.”