Manchester City fans were impressed with Ruben Dias’ performance in the 2-0 victory over resilient Aston Villa on Wednesday evening.
A goal from Bernardo Silva and a penalty from Ilkay Gundogan, both in the final 11 minutes of the match, got the job done for Pep Guardiola’s side.
With that result, Manchester City extended their winning run to six games in the league, and Dias is one of the standout performer to have a played a great part in that success.
The Portugal international, signed from Benfica for over £60 million in September. Some were bemused with that decision, but have been proven right so far as the Portuguese international has quickly found his feet in City’s improving backline turning in some huge displays since his arrival.
Against Aston Villa, Dias continued his superb run of form with another stellar performance at the back to ensure yet another clean sheet. He was solid work against the counter-attacks and economical as ever with the ball.
This was a captain’s performance, and he backed up his vocal leadership with some brilliant defensive play. He made crucial blocks and interceptions to deny Aston Villa on numerous occasions, notably the unbelievable brilliant clearance inside his six-yard box.
Many City fans after the match took to Twitter to hail Dias’s ‘monster’ performance against Villa.
Here’s how some of the Man City fans reacted to his performance:
I fainted for some sec there thought it was a goal to villa…that was terrific defending
— Muelz Obinna (@MuelzObinna) January 20, 2021
Masterclass from ruben Dias once again
— 𝔸𝕙𝕞𝕒𝕕 ℝ𝕚𝕕𝕙𝕠 (@Ahmadridhopp_) January 20, 2021
100% Ruben Dias doesn’t get the praise that VVD got at Liverpool – he’s transformed our defence! 15 clean sheets in 22 apps since he joined madness
— Jenna Pannell (@jazzyjen1986) January 21, 2021
This is what we missed for the past two seasons. Dias might actually be the solution to our UCL truimph.
— The Great South African! (@blacksuperbhero) January 20, 2021
I mean, I don’t get why no one’s talking about that and how important it was
— Benjamin (@Benjamin10MCFC) January 20, 2021
This guy is a hired mercenary man. Never seen that kind of energy in a defender before. Top defenders like VVD, Thiago, Maguire just keep it simple intercepting passes, but Dias gives everything, such stamina and strength #dias
— Abraham A. (@6AKxx) January 20, 2021
He has the same impact VVD had when he joined Liverpool. He has absolutely improved John Stones. I’m only happy he’s finally getting the attention he deserves.
— An OAP with a Panache (@EmmaAlfredDGC) January 20, 2021
