Joleon Lescott says Ruben Dias has brought a similar mentality to Manchester City’s defence as Virgil van Dijk did at Liverpool following his arrival.
City have put together an incredible defensive record since Dias joined the club from Benfica in September, winning 20 of their 27 matches, keeping 16 clean sheets and conceding just nine times.
The Portugal international has also brought a leadership quality to the Etihad, which has been missing since former captain Vincent Kompany left the club following their last title success in 2019.
Editors' Picks
- 'You can't play for Man Utd if you don't have mental strength' - Rashford opens up on setbacks & Solskjaer
- 'I thought Jurgen was not that kind of manager' - Guardiola hits back at Klopp two-week coronavirus break claim
“Dias is the figure we were looking for - he had won stuff,” said Lescott, who was a key defender in City’s first Premier League title success in 2012.