Ruben Dias has discussed the fluid defensive structure at Manchester City and the roaming role of John Stones in the side.
City are one win from completing a Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League treble as the Citizens prepare to face Inter Milan in the latter final on Saturday.
Pep Guardiola’s side have been in fine form across the second half of the season, with a change in defensive shape having contributed to improved results.
City have operated in a 3-2-4-1 formation in recent months, a system which has seen John Stones roam into midfield from centre-back and likes of Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake tasked with defending wide areas of the pitch.
The change has seen City dominate possession and reach the Champions League final, with Dias discussing the innovative new shape ahead of the club’s clash with Inter.
“It has changed the way we do it. The biggest change is to John,” he told the club’s official website.
“From being to my side and then he has to go in the middle and have a completely different role from what it used to be.
“He has definitely showed us how good he is and how good he can be in that position. I am happy for him and I love him.
“It’s a big step in our team because you end up having an extra man in the middle and then in two seconds he is next to me.”
Dias discussed the dynamic between the club’s defensive options and believes the intelligence of the Manchester City backline allows Guardiola’s side to adapt to different demands.
“We all get along very well and one of the main characteristics we all have is that we are intelligent and adaptive to situations that come up.
“If the solution we are doing is not exactly what we need, we’re able to adapt. These days, it’s a very important characteristic to have not just in one player but in your team.”
