The Spanish head coach has great potential for the defender’s ability to recover “immediately” after matches
Pep Guardiola says this season’s full fixture list is no issue for Manchester City star Ruben Dias, whom he described as an “amazing player”.
Dias has been a key player in Guardiola’s XI start-up since joining City of Benfica for £ 64 million ($ 87m) at the end of September.
The 23-year-old has helped transform the Blues into the best defensive side in the Premier League by forming a strong partnership with John Stones.
Dias has already made 22 appearances across all competitions for City as a whole, with his latest stellar display coming in the Carabao Cup semi – final tournament over Manchester United.
Portugal were tough when Guardiola ‘s side won 2-0 in the derby at Old Trafford, and could make a comeback in the FA Cup third – round tie against Birmingham City on Sunday.
Guardiola has no worries that Dias will be blocked by firing, after surprisingly recovering powers in the middle in his first few months at the Etihad Stadium.
“The player who wins the team and is important in the team is the player who can play every three days,” Spain’s head coach told City’s official website.
“The quality is there, but if a player is injured every few weeks, that’s not good for the team.
“When you buy players you know their quality but you don’t know if they can play every three days, but it gets back immediately.
“His ability is amazing. He wants to learn. We are all captivated by the way he cares for his body and mind.
“The day after a game he’s in the gym at 8:30 in the morning. He stays in his job 24 hours a day.
“I can assure you that we have signed an amazing player for the next few years. And that is not easy to find.
“That’s why we’re so lucky. We hope he can continue at this level.”
One one that could be in Guardiola ‘s lineup when City take on Birmingham is Zack Steffen, who has been filling in between the bats without coroners-infected Ederson.
The Blues head coach says Ederson is still his first stop, but admits Steffen has given him more of an election legacy after performing well in the winners. against Chelsea and United.
“He can fight for No. 1,” Guardiola said. “He can put pressure on Eddie, but Eddie is No. 1 in this position right now. If it performs well, it will remain No.1.
“It simply came to our notice then [Steffen] He played at Stamford Bridge and Old Trafford and cleared up all the odds. ”
Guardiola also retained a special tribute to Scott Carson loanee Scott Carson, with the veteran ‘s keeper thought he had a positive impact on the dressing room over the past few months.
“Scott Carson is our skipper behind the scenes,” he said. “He’s not seen in the papers or on the field but in the locker room he’s like another captain. We hope he can stay longer with us. “