Despite being one of Manchester City’s best players since making his way to the Etihad Stadium in 2020, Ruben Dias has come under fire from the supporters recently.
So much so that several Manchester City fans feel Dias should be dropped from the side after he struggled in the Sky Blues’ latest 4-3 defeat against Al-Hilal.
However, it seems like Pep Guardiola and Co still have a lot of faith in the Portuguese international.
So much so that Dias has been offered a contract extension by Manchester City, a decision that has polarised the fanbase.
Man City fans divided over new contract offer for Ruben Dias
Some Manchester City fans believe Ruben Dias merits being handed a new contract, with one supporter fighting off his critics by writing: “Based solely on a couple of games played at ridiculous heat, having not had a rest in two to three years, he’s deemed out of form. He’s our best centre-half and has proved it time and time again.”
Another fan was delighted about the news and believes that if the 28-year-old pulls up his socks, he could be mentioned in the same breath as John Terry among legendary Premier League defenders: “Fantastic news but he needs to absolutely lock in and not get complacent. This lad could be a John Terry-type PL legend.”
A third Manchester City fan believes that it would be ridiculous to suggest that Dias should not be given a contract extension based on his importance to the side: “This move will anger some of the City ‘fans’ on here [X] but locking down Dias is integral. You have to be blind not to notice the quality of Dias. Is he on the slower side? Sure. But we’re an awful lot worse defensively when he’s not in the side but people refuse to see that.”
However, others did not see the rationale behind City’s decision, with one claiming that it is the right time to move the centre-back on: “Don’t understand this as a priority. He does not work in this system and it will become extremely evident this season. If we extend him and put him on more money and keep playing this formation, we will never be able to skip him on.”
A fifth City supporter believes the former Benfica colossus is past his best and extending his deal could be a regrettable decision, even if he can be a rotational option and guide the youngsters, writing: “It’s obvious this won’t end well. If we are being honest, Dias no longer has what it takes to keep us at the top, although he can be kept on a short-term contract for the sake of rotation and helping the younger folks. We need to move away from the problem not reinforcing it.”
Finally, a sixth Manchester City fan believes that as brilliant as Dias has been over the years, his performances lately mean he does not merit being rewarded with a brand-new contract: “I’ll defend Dias till I’m blue in the face. But on no planet in this universe does he deserve a new contract, given his performances in the last two years. Fallen off a cliff. Can’t defend one on one and ball watches when opponents are on the transition.”
However, it seems like City have made their minds up now and they are convinced that the Amadora-born star will play a crucial role in their project in the coming years.
Pep Guardiola believes Ruben Dias is Man City’s new Vincent Kompany
Considering Pep Guardiola compared Dias to Vincent Kompany in 2023, regardless of the fact that some fans have lost faith in him, the Manchester City boss perhaps feels his contract extension is a key priority: “Always since day one, always positive, he’s so positive.”
“His mentality is top of the top. That’s why he can play as a central defender in a top, top club like City.”
“[If he’s] not playing, [he] never complains, works with the same methodology and work ethic, arriving two hours before, leaving two hours after [training]. Nothing changes. He lives 24 hours for his profession.”
Pep Guardiola concluded his praise for Dias by saying: “The type [of defender he is], quite similar with Vinny [Kompany], who it’s not about how I play myself. Ruben is not playing just his game. He’s playing for everyone. He has the ability to see and solve problems. His character is so important.”
