The International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS) has announced that Rúben Dias, the Portuguese international who plays for Manchester City in England, is included in the “11” for 2023.

The only Portuguese player in the 3x4x3 system is the 26-year-old centre defender, who started at Benfica. Is accompanied by colleagues Ederson, Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne, and Erling Haaland.

The group also includes Jude Bellingham from Real Madrid, Kylian Mbappé from Paris Saint-Germain, Lionel Messi from Inter Miami, Alphonso Davies, Kim Min-Jae, and Harry Kane from Bayern Munich, as well as players from other German teams.

In his fourth season with the “citizens,” Rúben Dias and fellow countryman Bernardo Silva won the FA Cup, the Premiere League, the Champions League, and this season, the Club World Cup in 2023.

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A passionate Irish journalist with a love for cycling, politics and of course Portugal especially their sausage rolls.

Rory Mc Ginn