Pundit says 26-year-old Man City player has genuinely been ‘bang average’ this season

Redaction Simon Brett with Srinivas Sadhanand
Published on 2024-04-07 18:00:00

Steve Nicol has criticized Ruben Dias for being “bang average” this season, attributing this to the team’s drop-off in form that has seen them sitting in third place in the Premier League. However, it is important to consider the high standards that City players are held to, which can lead to heightened scrutiny when they do not meet expectations. Even some of the best players in the world, like Erling Haaland, can experience drops in form due to being human.

The microscope on Manchester City’s players comes with the territory of being the top dogs of English football, especially after winning the treble. Expectations for improvement may be unrealistic, as even elite players need moments of struggle to push themselves to reach their potential. Players like John Stones and Jack Grealish have demonstrated the importance of overcoming lows in their careers to become the best versions of themselves.

While Nicol’s criticism of Ruben Dias may be harsh, it is important to acknowledge that even top players can have periods of subpar performance. Dias has shown improvement since the start of the season, with only a few notable mistakes. It is rare for a player to consistently perform at their best, and while Nicol’s assessment may be exaggerated, it is a reminder that even elite players like Dias can have their fair share of ups and downs.

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