The Sun has reported that Chelsea have joined the race for Benfica youngster Ruben Dias, Joao Felix and even Sporting CP star Bruno Fernandes, as they look to prepare life without Eden Hazard. However, while both Felix and Fernandes will get most of the attention, it’s the 21-year-old Ruben Dias that has seen his value go up in recent seasons. Like the other two, Dias is also a Portuguese international and has done relatively well since his debut.
However, it’s the last few seasons that has seen the 21-year-old centre-back’s value shoot up following a string of impressive performances as a defender. Not only is he cool and calm in possession but the Portuguese is a rock-solid defender and a leader. Barely 21 years old, Ruben Dias is already on the fast track to becoming Benfica’s captain.
But what has attracted Chelsea has been the 21-year old’s speed and agility combined with his defensive and offensive abilities.
If a move is made, Dias in all likelihood should be considered as a potential starter but given the situation at Chelsea, that’s something that may not happen. That’s exactly why the 21-year-old Portuguese star should reject any move to the Blues, given how they’ve treated Andreas Christensen.
Another solid 22-year-old centre-back, Christensen was the apple of Chelsea’s eye last season, making 40 appearances in all competitions, which includes 27 in the Premier League.
This season has seen those numbers drop down rapidly to a mere 14 appearances, with all but two being in cup competitions. Lack of game time under Maurizio Sarri has affected the Danish centre-back’s development, which is what could happen to Ruben Dias as well.
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While David Luiz does have less than six months left on his current deal with the club, there are rumours of an extension, which could potentially mean a longer stay for the 31-year-old.
This is only more bad news for Dias. While the 21-year-old would effectively be Maurizio Sarri’s answer to a ball-playing centre-back, the former Napoli boss will have to let David Luiz go first. Otherwise, the Blues would risk losing a top quality youngster like Ruben Dias and even Andreas Christensen, a pair that could effectively be the face of their defensive line for the next decade.
