Defender becomes second Portuguese to win award after stunning debut campaign for Man City

Dias was pivotal to Man City's third Premier League title in four years as he made an immediate impact following his move from Benfica in September 2020.

The 24-year-old fitted seamlessly into Pep Guardiola's side and emerged as a leader at the back as City went on a 15-match winning streak, the fourth-longest such run in Premier League history.

Dias contributed to 15 clean sheets, winning 23 of his 32 matches played and making 35 interceptions, 24 tackles, 23 blocks and 135 recoveries.

He also helped City win the EFL Cup and reach the UEFA Champions League final.

Emulating Kompany

Dias is only the fourth defender in history to be named Player of the Season, emulating Manchester United's Nemanja Vidic, former City captain Vincent Kompany and Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk.

He is also only the second Portuguese player to win the award, after Cristiano Ronaldo for Man Utd in 2006/07 and 2007/08.

The public vote was combined with those of the 20 club captains and a panel of football experts to determine Dias as the winner

Source: https://twitter.com/premierleague/status/1401124212023173127?s=19

Well deserved

Sincerely, no player is individually outstanding in the EPL this season. Most of them is just trying hard to pick up their loose pieces. Midfielders scoring most of the goals and most teams are playing with a false 9. Anyways, congrats Ruben!

Well deserved, I didn't expect him to play this well on his first season

Good. Defenders should get more recognition as they are instrumental to the victory of any team.

Congrats Ruben Dias

Although I feel this EPL season didn't really have a worthy outstanding performer that ticked all the boxes.

Would they have given it to B.Fernandes who many criticized went missing in the big games or Harry Kane whose team came a distant 7th? Ruben's choice was thus an award of convenience as he was from the winning team.

I like it when individual award isn't won by a striker because football isn't just about scoring goals..

Some would score a PK and run round the length of the pitch like they've scored a decisive solitary world cup final goal..

RVP was the last player to win it for United and was the last player to score an EPL Hatrick until Martial last year I think.. Bruno would have deserved it though.

It's like Ferguson departed with Man Utd past, present and future glory

Lalasticlala

https://www.nairaland.com/6588280/official-ruben-dias-wins-epl

Well deserved award for a defender. Reminds me of when cannavaro won WFOTY in 2006.

Yet they conceded more goals this season when he was in the defence than previous seasons when they won the title. Sentimental win.

Ok

You again

That's my guy, a genuine defender who knows how to defend.

I can't believe this fraud and scam in epl! How come roben becomes the best player of the season. He didn't deserve it. It's really a cheat and outwit on other fabulous players in epl.

Well deserved

obembet:
Lalasticlala

https://www.nairaland.com/6588280/official-ruben-dias-wins-epl

show more skin

Righteousness2:
Congrats Ruben!
Ruben was a rock in that Mancity Defence, although the Blues of Chelsea Marshaled by Kante dented their hopes by winning the most Important trophy.

Are you sure that Jesus will not be angry with him for this award and bring down rapture tomorrow morning

Am some people are saying kante will win Balon d'or

Wow

So Bruno's penalties just went like that unrecognized �

Rubbish

Harry Kane deserves that award.
He was the top scorer and had most assists.

The guy is good

Congratulations