Man City star who completed 81 passes for his national team hailed for 'miracle'

Manchester City defender Ruben Dias has received praise from Portugal after keeping a clean sheet in a 1-0 win against Wales on Thursday.

The 29-year-old featured throughout alongside Renato Veiga as Joao Felix's first-half goal decided the Nations League opener.

It has been a solid start to the season for the Man City captain, who has played every minute of his team's winning start to the Premier League season.

Dias' form in the last two seasons has suffered as he has struggled with injuries, but he looks to be getting back towards the best levels that followed his 2020 move from Benfica.

After a disappointing World Cup that saw them knocked out by eventual winners Spain in the round of 16, Portugal have started a new chapter.

Jorge Jesus was appointed on a four-year deal in July, replacing Roberto Martinez after three-and-a-half years under the guidance of the former Everton manager.

Portugal media hail Ruben Dias

It was ultimately a comfortable victory for Portugal against Wales, with Dias and the home defence allowing just one shot on target.

But there was still plenty of defending to be done, and the Man City man was key to the clean sheet.

Winning all of his duels, Dias was dominant in defence. He made a block, a clearance and two recoveries, providing a calm and secure presence at the back.

And he was impressive on the ball, too, completing more passes than anybody else on the pitch - 81 - and finding his mark with four of his seven attempted long balls.

Dias' moment of the match came when his quick thinking allowed him to get in place to clear Lewis Koumas' shot off the line, however.

Portuguese outlet A Bola described the moment as a "miracle". "He made a great miracle save when the ball hit the crossbar of the Portuguese goal and, with Diogo Costa out of position, he made a timely clearance off the goal line from Koumas' shot. Otherwise, absolute composure," they wrote.

Dias enjoying life under Enzo Maresca

Dias is still not quite the dominant force he was once known as, but he is certainly on the path to becoming that player once more.

The defender was excellent against Wales and a continuation of that form will be key to any success Man City have under Enzo Maresca this season.

"There's obviously many things from training session to some details about the way we press, details about the way we defend and that make all of these Enzo's idea," Dias said earlier this month.

"I feel like everything is making a lot of sense. Everyone is buying into the idea. Everyone's excited about it and there is a lot of joy in training, which is massively important."