PORTUGAL’S IRON MAN
Indestructible Dias:
Marathon man pPlaRy Ruben Dias says he is ready to through the “red line” to help Portugal go all the way at Euro 2020.
Dias has played 65 games this season, for Portugal, Benfica and Manchester City, but says he does not need a rest and thrives on starting every match.
The defender enjoyed an outstanding debut campaign at City, following his £65million move last September, playing a key role in Pep Guardiola’s side winning back the Premier League title.
Dias was voted Footballer of the
Year by the Football Writers’ Association and confirmed his status as one of the most accomplished centre-backs in the world.
Now the 24-year-old is relishing the prospect of starting every game for Portugal and helping them to retain their Euro crown.
“This just motivates me more,” said Dias. “I always like to play on the red line and I want to do things that nobody has done before.
“The chance to represent my country, with all these games behind me now, only motivates me further.This also leads me to believe that I can show I’m doing well, that I’m strong and that I can keep on playing. “I played a season in the Premier League and every game prepared me for these finals. “Of course, it was a very tiring season, but I’m always a very focused player, on all the elements, the physical side and little by little, all of that has prepared me more. “I’m ready to be at the highest level and to win the Euros, you have to be at the highest level.”
Dias also believes a season playing under the relentless demands of Guardiola and the winning culture he has at City can benefit Portugal. “At Manchester City there is a winning mentality,” said Dias. “And now I play for the national team, the only thing I can say is that it’s helped me a lot. “For Manchester City, Benfica and Portugal, the mentality is the same – we want to win every match, individually and collectively. So it’s helped a lot.”
Portugal take on Germany in Munich tonight, having won their Group F opener 3-0 against Hungary.
All three goals came in the last six minutes, with Dias admitting Fernando Santos’ side must play better if they are to beat Germany.
“Even though we started well and on the right foot, we must keep our feet firmly planted on the ground,” said Dias.
“We realise we’ve got to be better than we were against Hungary to win it. We played well but this is a new contest, with new difficulties, and we will be ready.”
Dias will come up against City team-mate Ilkay Gundogan, left, tonight and the pair have spoken about the huge match.
“I did talk to Ilkay,” said Dias. “It was nothing philosophical, just wishing him good luck.
“On the pitch it will be about two of the best sides in these Euros, and also two teams who want to dominate the game.
“We know Germany very well, what they’re capable of and the players they have. But we also have our weapons. But more than the individuals, the one who wins will be the one who deals with it best together.”