Dias’ impact at Manchester City has been massive in his debut season.
The Portuguese centre-back has transformed Pep Guardiola’s side into the meanest defence in the Premier League.
The Cityzens have only conceded two goals in their last nine Premier League outings.
“It has been massive,” said Guardiola on Dias’ leadership.
“He has the ability to live every single action during 95 minutes on what he has to do and helping his mates – the full-backs, the holding midfielders – being always concentrated.
“It is not easy to find that in someone who is 23-years-old.”
Dias struck a daunting partnership with John Stones at the heart of Man City defence.
“We knew the quality they had on the pitch, we knew a little bit their personality, but we have been impressed at the consistency to be ready mentally and physically to play every three days,” added Guardiola.
“We were solid, conceding few chances and this season we don’t make the mistakes that we did (in the past) to give opponents easy goals.
“You need to be good in set-pieces, good up front, good defensively, in many aspects.
“The private life of the players, physical form, being in a good mood, many things help to be champions. When one or two things drop a little it is difficult to get it.”
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