Ruben Dias has been named Premier League Player of the Season after helping Manchester City regain the title.
The Portuguese defender beat his City team-mate Kevin De Bruyne and Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane to the accolade following a remarkable start to life at the Etihad.
Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes, Aston Villa’s Jack Grealish, West Ham’s Tomas Soucek, Chelsea’s Mason Mount and Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah also made the shortlist.
The 24-year-old enjoyed an outstanding debut season in the Premier League after joining for £65million from Benfica last September.
His solid defensive displays helped Pep Guardiola’s team stay at the top of the table during the second half of the season and ultimately finish 12 points ahead of Man United.
City kept 15 clean sheets in the 32 matches he featured in as his partnership with England defender John Stones led to the team conceding just 32 league goals all season.
After just one win in their first three league games, Dias’ increasing influence in the side helped them go on a staggering 21-game win streak in all competitions, including 15 successive victories in the Premier League.
Rúben Dias was born on 14 May 1997) is a Portuguese professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Premier League club Manchester City, and the Portugal national team.
Ruben Dias signed for English Premier League club Manchester City on 29 September 2020 on a six-year contract, for a fee reported of €68 million (£61.64 million), with Benfica receiving an initial fee of €56.6 million (£51 million).
On 3 October 2020, Dias made his league debut for City in a 1–1 away draw against Leeds United.
Dias was named the Manchester City Player of the Month for November 2020, following a series of very strong defensive performances.
On 27 February 2021, Dias scored his first goal for City in a 2–1 home league win over West Ham United. He was praised as being a key factor in Manchester City regaining the Premier League title that season by bringing composure, leadership and stability back to the defence.
