Why Ruben Dias would be a brilliant addition for Nuno’s Wolves
Back in August, Portuguese outlet A Bola (h/t the Daily Mail) had claimed that Wolves were one of the Premier League clubs interested in signing Benfica star Ruben Dias.
However, no deal materialised and amidst a lot of European interest (h/t the Daily Mail), the defender decided to stay put at Benfica for another season.
Ruben Dias, 22, is one of Europe’s best young defenders after an incredible season in Portugal. He lifted the Primeira Liga title with Benfica in May and was arguably the best player on the pitch as Portugal beat Holland in the inaugural Nations League final.
The Portugal international has carried his strong form into the new season as Benfica sit on top of the Primeira Liga table. He has managed 22 appearances across all competitions, scoring two goals.
However, Benfica have dropped down to the Europa League after failing to get past the group stages in the UEFA Champions League. Keeping that in mind, Wolves must reignite their interest in Dias and test Benfica’s resolve in January.
Wolves have recovered incredibly after a slow start to the 2019/20 campaign and are aiming to break into the top four. They have been brilliant in Europe, advancing to Europa League’s Round of 32 where they are slated to face Spanish club Espanyol.
As such, Nuno Espirito Santo should make a couple of additions to his squad in January in order to balance Wolves’ domestic competitions and European adventure.
A good bit of business in January could see the gaps in his squad being filled and Nuno could then mount a challenge for silverware in the second half of the season.
Wolves have been uncharacteristically poor at the back this season, with Conor Coady and Ryan Bennett failing to carry their good form from last season.
Willy Boly has undergone surgery on a broken ankle and he would only be back in February. The Frenchman’s untimely injury has seen Nuno use midfielder Romain Saiss and Leander Dendoncker in central defence.
And with on-loan Real Madrid defender Jesus Vallejo failing to live up to the expectations of the Molineux faithful, Wolves would do a smart job by signing a central defender in January.
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That being said, Ruben Dias would be a brilliant addition to the Wolves side. He is a classy, ball-playing centre-back who is very much in the mould to fit Nuno’s style and he’s a proven winner too.
The Portuguese has been starring for Benfica. As a strong and aggressive centre-back with a huge future ahead of him, he could be what Nuno’s defence needs.
Verdict
A born leader and a fantastic organiser of defence, Dias could be a solution to Wolves’ defensive problems for the long-term. Hence, the Wanderers must go all out for Benfica’s defensive lynchpin next month.
