Dias spent 12-years at the 37-time Portuguese champions, progressing through the academy ranks to win a league title in 2018/19, and Dunne feels the expectation that came with playing for the Lisbon giants will help the 23-year-old adapt to life at his new club.
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“He’s played for a huge club in Benfica previously,” said the four-time City player of the year on the latest We’re Not Really Here matchday show.
“He understands the pressures of clubs and the pressures of being expected to win every game.
“Coming into the club, when the club have just spent so much money on you gives you confidence.
“He looks confident, he looks serious, he looks like he wants to win and it is about taking that and producing it on the pitch.
“It’s not always going to be perfect because there are bedding in periods for all players and the Premier League is a lot quicker than the Portuguese league so it will be difficult at times.
“He has everything, he has all the attributes, so we need to give him time.”
Dias completed 90 minutes as he made his City debut in the 1-1 draw with Leeds United at Elland Road.
A thrilling end to end game made it a baptism of fire for the Portugal international, but he was more than up to the challenge, with Pep Guardiola labelling it an ‘outstanding’ performance from his new recruit.
It is an assessment Dunne agrees with, and having been an exceptional defender in his day, the Irishman was impressed with how City’s No.3 executed the basics of his role.
“I thought he was excellent,” he added.
“He was excellent without being spectacular. He wasn’t amazing coming forward with the ball, but that’s not what we’re looking for.
“We’re looking at his defensive attributes. In terms of that, he did everything simple. He played safely and I think he’ll be really pleased with how he has begun his career.”
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