Dias primed to go from strength to strength, says Dunne | OneFootball

Richard Dunne says Ruben Dias can kick on once again and go from strength to strength as he prepares for his second season at City.

The Portuguese central defender enjoyed a stunning maiden campaign at the Etihad after joining the Club from Benfica last September.

His quality, desire, attitude and application saw the 24-year-old become a key component in City’s Premier League and Carabao Cup triumphs last term.

Such was Dias’s enormous impact he was also voted as the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year, and the Premier League Player of the Year.

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For his part, former City skipper and a fellow centre back Dunne says that having hit the ground instantly last term, Dias - who was also voted Etihad Player of the Season - will be perfectly poised to lift his game to even greater heights.

And he also believes Ruben possesses all the requisite qualities to be considered as a potential future City captain

“He’ll be looking to start the season well, continue to progress because as a centre back there was nobody near him last season,” the former City and Republic of Ireland centre back declared on Saturday’s latest Matchday Live programme.

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“You’d imagine he’s settled in and feels more comfortable, so he can improve again.

“It’s very important he starts well and continues the form from last season.

“The other players will know him and understand what he’s good and what to expect, so let’s hope that continues

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“And though he’s still very young, he’s got that stature and aura about him.

“Looking ahead, I think he could be a real captaincy candidate going forward in the next few years.”Dunne’s views were echoed by Michael Brown, his fellow special guest on Saturday’s Matchday Live edition ahead of our 4-0 pre-season friendly win over Barnsley.

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And for his part, the former City and Tottenham midfielder said the key for Dias was replicating the desire and attitude that personified the Portuguese international’s on-field displays last term.

“You have to come back and do what you were good at,” the former City midfielder asserted.

“What impressed everyone was Ruben’s desire to defend. He was always in front of the ball, organising. It was a fantastic season for him.

“It’s about just being patient and relaxing. It’s easy saying that but this is where these guys are incredible.

“The mentality is the difference.”