Man City's 'real captain' is back taking charge after Pep Guardiola intervention

• Sport
• Football
• Manchester City FC

Manchester City defender Ruben Dias made sure his voice was heard at Selhurst Park as the Blues picked up an important clean sheet in a big 3-0 win

Bernardo Silva is Manchester City’s captain this season after Pep Guardiola personally intervened in summer. Silva has made it his mission to restore what he believes are the club standards after eight years at the Etihad and is still playing a vital role on the pitch as well.

What is helping Silva is that he is not alone. Erling Haaland has joined the captaincy group, Phil Foden has taken it upon himself to add extra responsibility on the pitch - filling some of the experience lost from Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan leaving - and Rodri is offering help to players whenever he can despite his injury problems.

Then there is Ruben Dias, a man who had his eyes on the captaincy in summer but is proving a formidable foil to Silva. Dias is another who has never needed an armband to lead but has stepped it up this season alongside his close friend and Portugal teammate.

Guardiola feels happier having Dias in his backline to organise the defence, and while he suffered with form and injuries last season with the rest of the squad the 28-year-old is returning to his imperious best. At Crystal Palace the back four worked together to shut out a Palace side that have been one of the best in the league this season.

"They played together a lot lately for obvious reasons and when you are playing together the connection of the back four is so important. You can rotate in certain positions but as much as the defenders are there it's important," said Guardiola

"The pace and composure for both full-backs, and the leadership from Ruben.

"Ruben is an incredible leader, consistent with no injuries, his professionality, the day before, the day after, how he leads his teammates vocally. He’s an incredible signing for Man City for many years, and for many years to come. He's a real captain, a real leader."

Everywhere you looked at Selhurst Park, Dias was there trying to help his teammates. He was offering advice to Gianluigi Donnarumma as the teams waited to head out for the match, he walked off the pitch at half-time deep in conversation with centre-back partner Josko Gvardiol and not only was he the first over to Phil Foden after the second goal he also made sure that Rayan Cherki got the acclaim for his assist.

Dias is strong enough to lead however he sees, and Silva and City are strong enough to welcome that rather than have any noses put out of joint by it.

If absent leadership was one of City's biggest problems last season, the Blues are beginning to feel formidable again.