Paul Merson believes Manchester City defender Ruben Dias is already gaining a reputation like Liverpool superstar Virgil van Dijk.
City decided to splash the cash on a new defender over the summer, spending a huge £62 million to sign Dias from Benfica. Some were bemused with that decision, but Man City have been proven right so far, with the Portuguese international turning in some huge displays since his arrival.
The former Benfica defender has instantly strengthened a City defence making them the division’s best defensive record in the Premier League.
Central to such solidity have of course been Dias and resurgent John Stones. Dias has been the dominant half of the partnership and Merson feels he is taking on the role that Van Dijk plays at Liverpool, when fit.
‘Ruben Dias is starting to get a reputation like Virgil van Dijk – players are scared to take him on,’ Merson told the Daily Star.’
‘I wasn’t sure about him at first, coming in from Portugal where the league is nowhere near as strong.’
‘I wondered if he was going to be good enough because they didn’t have to fight off five or six teams to sign him, did they? But wow what a signing. He has been absolutely phenomenal and he is starting to remind me of Van Dijk now.
‘Both players have the same fear factor about them. I see players looking up on a dribble and thinking: ‘Oh I can’t beat HIM…’
In reaction to Merson’s comment on Dias shared on Twitter by City Chief, Many Man City fans have been sharing their thoughts and opinions with some even claiming he is better than Van Dijk.
Paul Merson spitting Facts
— J.S (@MCFCBaller) February 19, 2021
Like VVD but much younger 😊
— Joe Vols (@THEjoevols) February 19, 2021
A much young and better version
— KDB (@classdebryune) February 20, 2021
He’s better than Van Dijk cos he makes tackles.
— Ibn Guardiola (@YungHusband_) February 19, 2021
He is much better than VVD who runs away from tackles
— Kofi (@MpKofi) February 20, 2021
Ruben shouldn’t be compared to Virgil Van Dijk,…the latter was in the lineup when they were battered by Aston Villa. He’s just over hyped.
Dias is from another planet pic.twitter.com/Gzt6M47JcR
— Munene Ken (@MuneneKen8) February 19, 2021
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