City’s defensive leader has seen his side return to themselves of late

Manchester City’s defensive leader Ruben Dias believes his team are beginning to look like themselves again. The world champions had a poor run of results during November and December but have won their last four games in all competitions.

Since the disappointing 2-2 all draw with Crystal Palace in the Premier League the world champions have looked back to their best. Pep Guardiola’s side swept aside Urawa Red Diamonds and Fluminense en route to the FIFA Club World Cup. They returned from Saudi Arabia with crucial wins over Everton and Sheffield United to keep pace with Premier League leaders Liverpool.

But more important than the results has been the manner of the City performances. They dominated Everton at Goodison Park for the majority of the game and followed that performance up with a 2-nil win over Sheffield United at the Etihad. How they beat Chris Wilder’s side was reminiscent of the champions at their best.

Speaking with Manchester City’s official podcast Ruben Dias believes the champions have found themselves again. City’s defensive leader said: “I think generally we are starting to feel ourselves again. After what we did last season, we had to come down to earth and realise the small things that allowed us to do what we did before.”

Dias added that he believes that the real season begins in February. He added: “February is when the real things start. Obviously, you have to have put yourself in position to be there to feel that pressure. But in the end that’s when the real decisions start to be made.”

It is an ominous sign for City’s rivals that they are returning to their best. Given their history, it may mark the beginning of another crucial run for the champions.