Paul Merson was full of praise for Ruben Dias in his Daily Star column, calling the 23-year-old ‘phenomenal’ and crediting him for having a ‘fear factor’ that stops opposition players from trying to take him on in games.
Merson wrote: “Ruben Dias is starting to get a reputation like Virgil van Dijk – players are scared to take him on. Wow, what a signing. He has been absolutely phenomenal and he is starting to remind me of Van Dijk now.”
Dias has formed a formidable centre-back partnership with John Stones this season and has played his part in Manchester City boasting the best defensive record in the Premier League – 15 goals conceded and 14 clean sheets (SoccerStats).