Ruben Dias: Is Man City defender right man to replace Vincent Kompany?

Replacing club legend Kompany, who led City to a first top-flight title since 1968 during his 11 years at Etihad Stadium – eight of which he spent as club captain – is a daunting prospect for anyone.

But Dias has already demonstrated leadership qualities far beyond his years.

Having captained Portugal’s Under-19s at the 2016 European Championship, he went on to lead his nation at the U20 World Cup the following year before earning his senior debut at 21 in May 2018.

Now a regular starter, he already has 19 caps to his name and started in his country’s Nations League final triumph against the Netherlands last summer.

Speaking on his compatriot’s qualities, former Premier League manager Carlos Carvalhal told BBC World Service that Dias “is a leader”, a “balanced, strong player” who maintains “100% concentration”.

“It is why he played in the Benfica first team at 19, 20,” he added. “He is a different character to [Manchester United’s Portuguese midfielder] Bruno Fernandes, for example, because he is a defender – Dias is more effective talking to the people around him and he understands what the manager wants.

“After [a match], because he is so concentrated, he is always talking with his colleagues about how to be more effective. I think he will be great at Manchester City.

“Comparing the qualities and age of the boy, I think he is one of the best centre-backs at the moment.”