Tony Cascarino has claimed that Ruben Dias has had an underwhelming season up until now.
On The Sunday Times’ The Game podcast, the pundit discussed City’s defensive woes this campaign, emphasising that even a centre-back of Dias’ quality has not been up to par in his eyes.
After playing a huge role in the Sky Blues’ treble-winning season, even top defenders like Micky van de Ven admitted that the 26-year-old was the best centre-half in the world.
Tony Cascarino says Ruben Dias has been “average” this season
In May, Darren Bent went as far as to say that the Portuguese international would get into Barcelona’s legendary team managed by Pep Guardiola in the 2010/2011 season.
But at times this term, the three-time Premier League winner has not always looked like his usual impregnable self at the back.
Tony Cascarino believes Ruben Dias has been uncharacteristically underwhelming for Manchester City.
“I’m seeing Dias, centre-half, he’s been average! He’s never average. He’s a top-quality centre-half who’s been outstanding for City”, he told The Sunday Times’ The Game podcast.
That is way too harsh on Ruben Dias
In our view, while Tony Cascarino is right about Ruben Dias not operating at his absolute best this season, describing his performances as “average” is a step too far.
The former Benfica central defender did have a nightmarish outing in Manchester City’s 4-4 draw against Chelsea.
In his side’s recent 3-2 victory against RB Leipzig as well, the treble-winner did not cover himself in glory.
But otherwise, Ruben Dias has been a class act once again.
Even during City’s latest 3-3 draw against Tottenham Hotspur, Dias was one of the few players from his side who had a solid, if not spectacular outing on Sunday.
The decorated defender certainly must up his levels, especially as games are set to come thick and fast during this busy December period.
Considering Ruben Dias is an elite centre-back, one expects him to recapture his best form sooner rather than later.
