It's strange how much difference a few weeks can make to how you feel about a squad of players. We've lost a lot of players key to our recent success and with Aguero injured and Ferny often on the bench it felt like there was a bit of disconnection with the squad, at least in my opinion. Who were the leaders? Who was the man that would give someone a kicking and inject a bit of bite if we needed it? Who would step up and drive the team forwards? The inability to go to games has probably made me feel more disconnected from the playing squad.
Here we are though, and suddenly it feels like we have a squad that are going to graft, fight and battle to ensure they win games and titles. And, for me, Dias has brought about this change. The way he celebrates winning a defensive challenge with his team mates. The way he challenges others around him to improve. All signs of a man who wants to lead the team and although he's barely been with us for 5 minutes, the impact he has made shows he is the man to captain the side.
De Bruyne can't hide his disappointment if a pass goes awry or someone doesn't play him the ball. Let him lead through his ability but don't give him the captaincy. Ferny, when on the pitch is a leader. He covers so much ground, he leaves his foot in and takes a booking when needed and just oozes class on the ball. Last night he was sensational. And when he's on the pitch he should be captain. But when he isn't, Dias should be.