Ruben Dias named as FWA Player of the Year

24-year-old enjoyed outstanding first season following summer move from Benfica

Ruben Dias has been named as the Football Writer's Association's Player of the Year for the 2020/21 season, it has been announced.

The Portuguese defender joined the Blues from Benfica for £61m in September, and had an immediate impact on the squad. City had endured a difficult start to the campaign, but Dias' arrival saw them go on an incredible 28 game unbeaten run on the way to winning the Carabao Cup and the Premier League title, with a Chmapions League final against Chelsea still to come. He is the first defender to win the award since Steve Nicol in 1989.

“It’s a huge privilege. I’m very, very happy (but) I could not have done it without the success of the team,” Dias declared.

“Everyone in the team deserves this award. Only by that was I – as a defender – able to be here to receive this prize.

“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.

“It reflects all the togetherness we have on the pitch, the spirit in the team and how we perform.

“With these players, for me to be receiving this award, it shows how we play like a family.”