Joao Cancelo has named one Manchester City star as one of his favourite players in the world right now.
The defender spent three-and-half-years in Pep Guardiola’s squad before joining Bayern Munich on loan in the 2023 January transfer window.
After that, he joined Barcelona on a season-long loan last summer.
Now though the Portuguese international has been sharing his thoughts on one particular player currently in City’s ranks that he knows all about.
Cancelo says City star is a complete ‘warrior’
In a recent video shared on the FIFPRO TikTok channel, Cancelo was asked to come up with his ultimate five-a-side team of past and present players.
After selecting Ederson as his goalkeeper, the 29-year-old then had this to say about his defensive option.
He said: “In defence, Ruben Dias, for the leadership he offers. Because of his personality on the field and for being a warrior too, because he is a warrior and, for me, a defender has to be a warrior.”
City secured a deal worth £65m to sign the centre-back from Benfica during the 2020 summer transfer window.
During his time at the Manchester club, Dias has made 175 appearances across all competitions, chipping in with four goals and five assists.
Ruben Dias has been vital for City this season
In 27 Premier League appearances this season, the 26-year-old has made more clearances (73), interceptions (25) and blocks (30) in the City squad.
He also has the highest percentage of dribblers tackled at the club, further highlighting how much of a tough defensive figure he is and how important he is for the team.
It also backs up Cancelo’s point about him being a warrior on the pitch and not afraid of being physical against the opposition when needed.
With all of that in mind, it comes as no great surprise that Cancelo has picked his fellow countryman as the one defensive option in his ultimate five-a-side team.
