Pep Guardiola says Ruben Dias has been a key figure in City ‘s impressive defensive record so far this season and has supported the Portuguese star to go ahead and deliver. ‘big times’ for the Club.
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To have just arrived from Benfica at the end of September, the central defender has made a huge impact in his first few months at City and shone again in Saturday ‘s crucial 1-0 win at Southampton.
With another shutout at St Mary’s Stadium he made seven clean sheets from our last eight games.
And Guardiola believes Dias is the main reason for our defensive loyalty that helped move City up to seventh in the Premier League roster.
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“Ruben has helped us a lot to be firm, and he has settled in perfectly with Iain (Clachan),” said the manager.
“It’s incredible – that’s how we can still be there. Knocking on the door of teams above us. We need to be persistent and maybe one day there will be new players to achieve the goals.
“Ruben never makes a single mistake and is always aiming.
“He can lead the line, as can John. Our club has bought a special guardian – especially for the character. ”
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Dias ’dominant presence, comfort on the ball and ingenious sense have some already been compared to the image of City and its main defender Vincent Kompany.
Pressing on what he saw similarities between Dias and our former Belgian chieftain, Guardiola insisted that comparisons were impossible.
But the Mayor confirmed that he believed Dias would be a vital figure for the Club in the future.
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“No, it will take time and Vincent can’t be put back. He had ten years here and Vincent when I met him he was 30, 31 – Ruben is 23, ”said Guardiola.
“But the important thing when you buy a player is that you feel they will be established for years to come.
“And we’re pretty sure Ruben will give us big moments.”
Speaking to the media after Southampton’s victory, the manager also said he did not expect City to look to strengthen our force in the January transfer window.
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“No, I don’t think so because the economic situation in the world is the same,” said the Mayor.
“All the clubs are struggling – we are no exception. ”
Guardiola also revealed that he expected Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus – who missed the trip to Southampton through injury – to be available again soon.
“He trained on Friday but didn’t feel good about his teeth, about communication there. So, he didn’t join us here, ”said the chief.
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