- Ruben Dias and Gabriel are among the greatest Premier League defenders
- Dias is outperfoming Gabriel in six areas
- Gabriel only has the upper hand in one
Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhaes is regarded as one of the best defenders in the Premier League, but Ruben Dias has recorded better stats in a number of areas.
Manchester City were without Ruben Dias in the Carabao Cup final due to the centre-back picking up an injury, but this had no effect on Sunday’s proceedings.
However, this does not take away from the fact that Dias has been an important player to Man City over the years, including this season.
In fact, there are a number of stats which indicate the Portuguese star is actually performing better than Arsenal defender Gabriel.
Ruben Dias is beating Gabriel in six areas
According to Data MB, Dias plays more progressive and forward passes than Gabriel and he is also more likely to carry the ball forwards.
🇵🇹🔵 Rúben Dias (Manchester City, 28)
— DataMB (@DataMB_) March 24, 2026
🇧🇷🔴 Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal, 28)
Compare players 👉 https://t.co/McR5zrPSJm https://t.co/BYR3jyah8y pic.twitter.com/wrcIdUpOOk
The 28-year old has also been slightly better when it comes to aerial duels, while the two players are not even close when it comes to ground duels.
Despite this, Gabriel is on top by a narrow margin for winning possession, but this is the only area where he is shown as on top.
Dias has to keep up his level at Man City
Dias is undoubtedly a fine player and how valuable he has been to Man City cannot possibly be measured in mere numbers alone.
He is still an exceptional defender, but there is a lot more competition now for the centre-back positions at the club.
Pep Guardiola plays with a back two, which means one of himself, Marc Guehi or Abdukodir Khusanov cannot start when all three are available.
Therefore, even if Dias is outplaying many defenders, including Gabriel, he still has to continue proving himself at the Etihad Stadium.
