Richard Dunne says Ruben Dias is quickly becoming a real candidate for captaincy in Man City.
Ruben Dias could get better again
City spent £ 65m bringing Ruben Dias to Manchester from Benfica last summer and the Portuguese have justified the club’s initial investment in talent, playing a key role in their race to their fifth Premier League title. Ruben Dias has struck a formidable partnership with the John Stones from behind as Guardiola’s ended up with the best defensive record in the division, and Richard Dunne believes he can reach even greater heights in the coming years.
The former City defender singled out Ruben Dias for special praise after the team’s 4-0 pre-season friendly win over Barnsley on Saturday, backing him to inherit the captaincy at Etihad Stadium if he continues on his current trajectory. Richard Dunne said Ruben Dias will be looking to start the season well, to continue to progress because there was no one next to him as a center back last season.
You can imagine Ruben settling in and feeling more comfortable so that he can improve again. It is very important that Ruben starts well and continues to form from last season. Other players will know him and understand what is good for him and what to expect, so they will hope that this will continue. Although Ruben Dias is still very young, he has such a height and aura. Looking ahead, Dunne thinks Dias could be a real candidate for captaincy in the next few years.
Ruben Dias played 50 matches in all competitions in his debut City campaign, scoring one goal. The 24-year-old helped the Manchester squad win their fourth consecutive Carabao Cup along with his latest top flight crown, and won the Football Writers Association awards at the end of the season for Football Player of the Year and Premier League Player of the Year.
Ruben Dias can inherit the bandage
Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho has served as City captain since the departure of Vincent Kompany at the end of the 2018-19 season. The 36-year-old signed a new one-year contract in June that will keep him at Etihad Stadium until next summer, but Ruben Dias could inherit his teammate’s armband if his services aren’t kept on top of that.