A leader for Manchester City has stepped up in recent weeks | OneFootball

Manchester City take on Aston Villa tomorrow at Villa Park in a Premier League fixture that will test Pep Guardiola’s side. They will enter tomorrow’s match on the back of a nine-game unbeaten run in all competitions. Across that run, several players have stood out with their performances and leadership. One of those players is centre-back Ruben Dias. Dias is a leader in the City squad, and his performances across Manchester City’s unbeaten run have been superb, although they have seemingly gone under the radar.

Ruben Dias looks to be back to his best, which is huge for Manchester City.

At his best, Ruben Dias is one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League. His record during his time at Manchester City speaks for itself. Like so many of his teammates, he endured a difficult 24/25 season. Dias battled injuries and wasn’t at his best last season. But this season is a different story. Ruben Dias looks to have returned to his best. He is setting the tone at the back, and his teammates are following his lead.

Arguably, Ruben Dias’ best two performances of the season have come in Manchester City’s past two matches against Everton and Villarreal. In Manchester City’s 2-nil win over Everton, Dias, alongside Nathan Ake, quelled the physical threat provided by Everton striker Beto. The physical challenge offered by a player like Beto usually brings out the best in Ruben Dias. His performance against Everton was top-quality. He followed that strong performance with another quality display in Manchester City’s 2-nil win over Villarreal. Dias was cool and composed at the back, and he played well at the Estadio de la Ceràmica. Ruben Dias is building into the season. When he is at his best, Manchester City are a better team. It seems that Dias is determined to lead the way this season.

Manchester City’s defence looks stronger and Ruben Dias’ contribution cannot be overlooked.

With Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal, Manchester City’s defence looks to be a much stronger unit. Nico O’Reilly has shone at left-back this season, and Matheus Nunes has taken his game up a level lately. Josko Gvardiol has been Dias’ primary centre-back partner and is forming a strong partnership with Ruben Dias. John Stones and Nathan Ake have also done their job when they have started alongside Dias in City’s past two matches.

The contribution of Ruben Dias is City’s nine-game unbeaten run cannot be overlooked. He hasn’t received the plaudits but he has played a key role in the resurgence of Manchester City. His leadership, physicality and defensive ability have given Pep Guardiola’s side a strong defensive foundation from which to work. If Ruben Dias continues his strong recent form the plaudits will come, and the good results will likely continue for City.

Manchester City face a tough test tomorrow at Villa Park against Aston Villa. There will be moments in tomorrow’s match where they will suffer. But with Ruben Dias in form and leading the way at the back, they are prepared to dig in and face those moments head on. If Dias and his teammates are at their best tomorrow they can pick up three points against Unai Emery’s side. If they are to do that, you do sense that Ruben Dias will have to continue his strong recent form.