Dias Is Premier League’s Best Defender – Carragher

Former Liverpool defender, Jamie Carragher has rated Manchester City defender, Ruben Dias as Premier League’s best defender this season.

Dias, who joined the Citizens from Benfica for a fee of around £62million last summer, has become a force to reckon with in their defence.

He also played a vital role in the team’s qualification to the final of the UEFA Champions League after beating PSG 4-1 on aggregate.

Reacting to his superb defensive performance since arrival at the club, Carragher in an interview with CBS Sports stated that Dias’ class in the Premier League has been great.

“I love him,” he told CBS Sports. “I think he’s been the best player in the Premier League this season, I really do believe that.

“I think he’s had a huge effect on Manchester City. Even when he speaks and you watch him play you can’t believe he’s 23.

“John Stones next to him is 27-28 and you feel like it’s the other way around with John Stones and that’s no disrespect to John Stones.”

He added: “What I would say is that Van Dijk has been blessed with physical attributes that Dias hasn’t so in some ways I’m more impressed with Dias.

“When you watch Van Dijk, it’s like watching a Rolls-Royce, you just think the way he moves. Most players don’t have that and Dias probably hasn’t got that so probably has to concentrate more and be side on constantly.

“We have seen Van Dijk over the last couple of years win the Champions League. I think the new breed is coming and this guy [Dias] is a massive part of it.

“The biggest thing for a centre-back, in terms of body position, I think he’s the best by a long way in the Premier League.”