Ruben Dias has been named the Football Writers’ Player of the Year for 2020-21. The 24-year-old is the first defender to receive the award since Steve Nicol in 1989. Dias is also one of only three players in history to win the award in their first season with a club, joining Jurgen Klinsmann (1995) and Gianfranco Zola (2001). (1997).
Dias, who joined City from Benfica last summer, has had an excellent debut season, becoming an important member of Pep Guardiola’s title-winning squad. He has helped Pep Guardiola’s team win the Carabao Cup for the second time, reclaim the Premier League title, and advance to the Champions League final, where they will face Chelsea on May 29 in Porto.
“It means something special because normally, the ones who finish the plays are the ones getting the spotlight but me receiving this prize is a major example of our team and the way we work – the way we build our game,” Dias said.
Dias showed his gratitude towards the team saying the award depicts the team spirit they have on and off the field. he also mentioned his team as a family. He dedicated the award to his team as well as his family who patronaged him throughout.
“[I’d like to thank] my team-mates, all the staff – Pep included obviously – the Club [and the many names responsible for bringing me here] but ultimately, all of my colleagues: the staff, the physios, the kit-men, the guys in the kitchen that bring a smile every day to the training ground and make us feel good and ready to be the best we can be,” Dias added.
Dias comfortably topped the Football Writers’ Association poll, with competition from Tottenham striker Harry Kane and club colleague Kevin De Bruyne fended off en route to taking the top spot. Can he inspire City to win their first-ever Champions League trophy?
Thank you to the FWA who voted for me for this award! It’s a huge honour to be recognised in just my first season. But I could not have done it without the team who have been incredible this season. Now let’s focus on these last two games 💪🏼💪🏼 pic.twitter.com/8TvXcKz4Ng
— Rúben Dias (@rubendias) May 20, 2021