Best Premier League Signings of 20/21 – West Ham man will surprise you

Ruben Dias – Manchester City

Ruben Dias has simply provided Pep with a huge boost in what looks to be a transformative light on what was Manchester City’s achilles heel.

Swapping Otamendi with Dias + hefty sums of cash has worked wonders for the league leaders as the 23-year-old pairs alongside John Stones to create a strong centre-back duo through instilling a sense of confidence, something that has been missing since the days of Vincent Kompany.

Even in his first season, Dias has proved that his name ultimately belongs near the top when mentioning the level of defenders in the league and hopefully soon, the world.

Him averaging some of the least true interceptions and aerial duels per 90 in the Premier League, a figure which speaks volumes in his role to establish himself as a key central figure in the backline who isn’t looking to progress forward to intercept passes as such.

Largely thanks to him, City have conceded the fewest goals in the league (23) and the least xGA (expected goals against – 24.35).

It is interesting to see if Stones keeps his starting position alongside Dias or whether Laporte finds himself back into the lineup, but City have a defensive general for the present and future in Ruben Dias.