Luke Mbete singled out his gym buddy Ruben Dias for praise after signing a bumper new contract that keeps him at Manchester City until 2027.
The 18-year-old defender has been training with Pep Guardiola and the first team squad for more than a year after impressing in the academy, and after making his senior debut against Wycombe in the Carabao Cup this season, he went on to play in the FA Cup and Champions League as well. City have moved to tie him to new terms to reflect the progress he has made, extending his stay at the club by three years.
Mbete is expected to travel with the first team on their pre-season tour of the United States this summer, as the centre-back hopes for another promising season. And while the former Brentford academy prospect is trying to emerge as his own character in the star-studded squad, he has appreciated being able to learn from fellow defender Dias.
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"I don’t really try to emulate anyone, I just try to be myself and be the best version of myself. I learn from all of them and I try to take traits from each and every one of them and try to add it to my game," he said.
"But someone I do want to thank is Ruben Dias. I feel like he has been a good role model for me. We gym together in the morning before training as well and I feel like that has helped me a lot. He is a good guy to look up to, young as well and he is someone I can relate to.
"I try to not to think about [training with the best players]. I featured in some of the games last season and it hasn’t really sunk in yet. I feel like there is so much more to come and I feel like I have got a lot more to show and prove as well.
"There is a lot to learn as well from the players and the coaches. I am ready for the challenges that will be coming my way.”
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