Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola believes Ruben Dias will be a long term successor to Vincent Kompany at the club.
Dias arrived from Benfica in the summer with a reputation as one of the game's best young defenders.
He has shown his quality so far this season, helping City keep seven clean sheets in the past eight matches.
And Guardiola believes he can go on to play at a high level for City for many years.
"Ruben has helped us a lot to be solid, and he has settled perfect with John (Stones)," the manager reflected after a 1-0 win over Southampton on Saturday.
"It's incredible - that is how we can still be there. Knocking on the door of teams above us. We need it to be stable and maybe one day players will be fresh to score the goals.
"Ruben doesn't make a single mistake and he is always focused.
"He is able to lead the line, the same with John. Our club bought an exceptional defender - especially for the personality."
Asked about the Portugal international replace Kompany, Guardiola has high hopes
"No, it takes time and Vincent is irreplaceable. He had ten years here and Vincent when I met him was 30, 31 - Ruben is 23," Guardiola added.
"But what is important when you buy a player is that you have a feeling they will be settled for the next years.
"And we are pretty sure Ruben will give us big moments."
