Michael Dawson has named which centre-back he believes is better between Ruben Dias and Virgil van Dijk.
Manchester City take on rivals Liverpool on Sunday which, unless they meet in the FA Cup, will be the final game in the thrilling rivalry with Jurgen Klopp.
Pep Guardiola has had many epic battles with the Liverpool boss and they could well have saved the best until last.
The stakes could not be higher, as the winner of the match will have destiny in their own hands in the Premier League title race.
Liverpool currently lead by a point but City could leapfrog them into first place if they emerge from Anfield with a victory.
Ahead of the game, former defender Michael Dawson has compared two stars of each team – Ruben Dias and Virgil van Dijk.
Ruben Dias vs Virgil van Dijk
When asked on the Sky Sports Football podcast why Van Dijk gets more attention than Dias, Dawson said: “That’s a good question, another player who I’m a huge fan of.
“Maybe because City chop and change.
“I know Dias is one of their main centre-halves who is always in the team, you can have Akanji, John Stones comes in there, Ake plays left back but can move inside.
“I’m not too sure, I think because you look around City and you get an opportunity.
“Teams will have a go, you sit deep against City, their full-backs go which Liverpool’s do as well but I see glimpses when you get a chance against City when they are so expansive.
“I would think that’s an opportunity teams look at and go sit deep and we’ll get an opportunity against City. The proof’s in the pudding, you do get that. We saw it last week with Manchester United.
“The breakaway, obviously it was a magnificent goal by Rashford take nothing away with that but you have seen it with teams that will sit deep and try and counterattack.
“But Ruben Dias is a magnificent player as well, all have different attributes but I just think for Virgil, he has them all.
“I think he is the best out there and I certainly can’t wait to see him up against the main man in Haaland at the weekend.”
Two of the key performers
Both teams are loaded with quality, match-winning players, even if Liverpool could be without nine men for the match.
But Sunday’s bout could be decided on which team defends the best against the other’s wealth of attacking talent. Which falls to Dias and Van Dijk.
The Dutchman will be facing off with Erling Haaland, who hasn’t performed at his best since returning from injury but still has eight goals in his last five games.
Sunday would be a perfect time for Haaland to get back to his highest level. Dias, meanwhile, will likely have maverick Darwin Nunez to contend with.
The Uruguayan is unconventional but is a real threat, scoring in his last three games. How well each team’s centre-back performs could determine the game.
