The Portuguese defender, coming off the back of an outstanding debut campaign at the Etihad Stadium, has committed his future to the Club until 2027.
Dias’ impact when joining City from Benfica in September 2020 was instant, and his commanding displays from the heart of defence helped Pep Guardiola’s men to claim a Premier League and Carabao Cup double, as well as reach our first ever Champions League final.
His role in our collective success was also recognised by numerous individual awards, including the FWA, Premier League and Etihad Player of the Season awards, as well as being named the UEFA Champions League Defender of the Season last week.
Still only 24, Dias is confident that he can reach even headier heights at City going into the new season and beyond.
“A very simple answer, last year and the year before I had four days of vacation. This year, I had two weeks. Now imagine how much I rest (I have had),” he explained when asked how he could improve going into the 2021-22 campaign.
“I feel very good and I am feeling a lot of space to improve, do better and keep going. You have always got something to improve, even when you win big.
“There are lots of things to do, lots of things to get better and many trophies to win. Obviously (2020-21) was a great season, but the best season can only be the one that is coming.
“Everything starts from zero and for you to prove it again and again and again, that is the biggest trophy you can have in football. That is what I am coming for.”
That desire to reach new levels is shared by Pep Guardiola, who Dias acknowledges as constantly pressing for improvement from him and his teammates.
The defender credits the faith that the City boss affords his players as something which sets him apart from many of his compatriots.
He reflected: “One of the most important things is the way he (Guardiola) pushes players. He knows what players he has and he knows he can push us.
“Many times, coaches, especially when they have good players, think there is a limit, but [Pep] has no limit.
“He always wants more and the best. That is something that makes everyone better every day.”
That belief in his players, according to Dias, is also vital in providing a platform for Guardiola and City’s free-flowing brand of possession-based football to flourish.
The added responsibility that comes with that level of confidence is something our no. 3 relishes, along with the boss’ meticulous planning and preparation for each game.
“There are many [strengths]. It is difficult to choose one to say but I would consider the personality to play our game, no matter the circumstances or opponent,” he declared.
“The personality to play what you believe in and not to change every time. I think that is one of the characteristics I like the most.
“Another, after many others, the way he sees the game, the way he sees the opponent, the way he sees their weaknesses and, at the end of it all, how easy it looks for us to exploit them.”
