Manchester City centre-back Ruben Dias was one of the few players who performed at his top level against Crystal Palace at the weekend.
The Portuguese international made 4 blocks and 3 clearances during the 2-2 draw at Selhurst Park, as well as having a 94% pass completion rate.
Fans on X were keen to praise Dias, with some wondering whether they would have even got a point without the defender on Saturday:
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Give him the arm band @PepTeam
— *Raph-Adesida* (@RaphNewton) December 8, 2024
Leader
— Chibhobo (@Chibhobo) December 7, 2024
The best CB in the world!
— Ray Hope (@RayHope111) December 7, 2024
We would ccertainly have lost without him
— petermcr (@petermcr) December 8, 2024
World class
— Teehamnas (@millytee_07) December 8, 2024
I wish we had ten more like him, he is our only leader.
— Blue moon (@kevin_browell) December 8, 2024
Without this man, we would have lost yesterday it's as simple as that.
— Baz (@Baz2486_) December 8, 2024
Dias has stepped up to the plate
The fact that City’s losing streak coincided with the centre-half picking up an injury can’t be overlooked.
Dias is undoubtedly been a leader at the back and the team has suffered massively in his absence. Unfortunately, he is only one man and he needs others around him to improve their performances if City are to get out of this rut.
City need to strengthen in January
After winning convincingly against Nottingham Forest last week, there was hope that Guardiola’s side had finally turned a corner but the display against Palace suggests that there are underlying issues that may have to be rectified in the transfer market.
They lack legs in midfield, they need to find more goals upfront and they don’t have any fullbacks to speak of in the squad who are in their prime. How many of these areas will be fixed during the January transfer window, we shall have to wait and see, but it’s clear the team needs fresh blood as soon as possible.
Find out who is in Manchester City’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here