PEP PUTS TRUST IN AMAZING DIAS

PEP GUARDIOLA has saluted Ruben Dias as Manchester City’s new ‘Mr Reliable’. Dias wasn’t cheap, arriving at The Etihad for £61million from Benfica at the end of the extended summer transfer window.

But the robust centre-back has quickly emerged as an influential leader in City’s defence – and Guardiola believes they have unearthed a gem.

Dias is proving real value for money and Guardiola is 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 cope with another 90 minutes.

Despite the hectic schedule Dias, 23, has missed only one of City’s last 12 games – and they kept eight clean sheets in those 11 he played in.

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.

“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.

“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.”

Dias’ impact on City’s defence – 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, currently recovering from a hamstring injury, has had a stop-start campaign and was dropped after the 2-0 defeat by Tottenham in November, leaving Dias to form a partnership with John Stones.

Guardiola also hailed American back-up keeper Zack Steffen and claimed he can challenge Covid victim Ederson.

He said: “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.”

FANTASTIC FIND: Ruben Dias can be a City star for many years says Guardiola (below)