The 23-year-old signed a six-year deal in the summer and has been a mainstay in City’s impressive defence.
In the 27 matches he’s played across all competitions, we have conceded just nine goals at a rate of one every 255 minutes, keeping a clean sheet in 59 percent of games.
We’ve won 20 of the 27 games he’s played and he has completed 2,092 passes.
Those are staggering numbers and Lescott says it is Dias’ ability to play regularly and perform consistently that have allowed him to have such a considerable impact on the side.
“He’s had a massive impact,” Lescott says.
“The biggest thing for me is his reliability and consistency. He’s solid at all aspects – heading, tackling – but his availability is the biggest thing.
“He’s played 50 games in the past two seasons with Benfica – and already played 27 for City - that’s a huge thing having someone who is always fit and available.
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“Coming to a new country at his age during lockdown and playing this well says a lot. It’s surprising he’s only 23 – he plays and seems like a very mature person.
“That comes with coming from a big club. Benfica isn’t an average club, it’s massive where the demands are very high - as high as City’s.
“So, he’s come from a winning mentality. They are things people take for granted. “
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Dias has been widely praised since coming into the side, with his positional sense and bravery highlighted as key facets of his game.
But in our recent win over Sheffield United, he showed a fine turn of pace to get back and stop Ollie Burke making progress in our defensive third.
It was a rare sighting of Dias turning the burners on, which Lescott believes highlights just how intelligent he is on the pitch.
“The pace surprised me,” he said.
“The best compliment I can pay him is he’s played 27 games and I’ve only just realised he’s super quick. I love that.
“A lot of defenders you can watch, and you know after 10 minutes he’s quick because he’s in the wrong position and he’s had to use his pace to get out of trouble.
“I’ve only noticed it once with Ruben Dias – against Sheffield United when he raced back with Ollie Burke - and that’s it.
“That’s because he is in right position all the time.
“So now, as a forward, you’re thinking you can’t run him – positionally he’s solid and he’s got pace he can turn on.”
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