I VOTED for Ruben Dias this week as the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year.

Since arriving from Benfica for £65 million last September, the talented 24-year-old has solidified Manchester City considerably. His cool, calm head in the centre of defence underlines an impressive temperament which, allied with his inspiring leadership qualities, marks him out as a commander of the backline. 

As befits Pep Guardiola’s lynchpin, he possesses an excellent technique that’s been vital to City building from the back. His positional awareness is second to none and his sense of anticipation is such that he rarely makes mistakes.