Ruben Dias stands to emulate Vincent Kompany at Manchester City, in the eyes of former Blue Richard Dunne.
The Portugal international has been an absolute revelation for City following his summer move to the club from Benfica.
Dias, 23, arrived with a big reputation and a large transfer fee, but his impact has been better than most fans could have imagined.
When Dias has started with John Stones in the Premier League, City have conceded just one goal, and kept 13 clean sheets so far.
Dunne reckons his impact on the players around him is another reason why Dias has been such a brilliant signing.
He told Sky Sports: “He’s certainly made a massive impact. He seems to have those leadership qualities and apart from playing really well himself, he’s brought other players on alongside him.
“John Stones has really improved and overall the whole defensive unit seems much stronger.”
When asked if he is ‘the new Vincent Kompany’, Dunne added: “It’s a big ask. He’s certainly started really well. If he can lead them to a league title he’ll certainly be on his way to emulating Vincent.”
Dias’ van Dijk-like impact
Dias has been outstanding since his arrival at Manchester City.
The star may only be 23, but he plays with the control and assuredness of someone much older and someone who has won plenty of silverware.
He is never ever flustered and is absolutely the kind of player that was needed to replace Kompany.
It is difficult not to make the comparison with Virgil van Dijk and the way he transformed the Liverpool defence following his move to Anfield in January 2018.
