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Manchester City defender Ruben Dias believes the winter World Cup in Qatar may come at exactly the right time for elite players.
Portugal international Dias, 25, is likely to play a key role for Fernando Santos’ side having excelled for City since his arrival at the Etihad in September 2020.
The domestic season will be brought to a halt in order to accommodate the global showpiece, which kicks off on November 20.
And Dias believes the unusual timing of the tournament may come as a benefit to many.
He told Portuguese outlet Record: “I think the World Cup is going to catch us at a time in the season when the preparation is already advanced.
“It will be different from what it would be at the end of the season when we are already more tired, we are already a little bit at our limit, and it might be harder to be at our peak form.
“From that point of view it will be new for everybody and something interesting to see. It’s unknown terrain for everyone.
“Maybe the most successful are the ones who will be able to adapt better to the circumstances.”
A number of Premier League stars will feature for the Euro 2016 champions, who have been drawn against Ghana, Uruguay and South Korea in Group H.
City team-mates Joao Cancelo and Bernardo Silva will form a crucial part of Santos’ thinking, while across Manchester, United boast compatriots Diogo Dalot, Bruno Fernandes and legendary forward Cristiano Ronaldo.
Dias is excited by the prospect of seeing Cristiano shine on the international stage once more.
He added: “Ronaldo’s status is Ronaldo’s status, and I don’t think there’s much more to add to that.
“Cristiano is a very important player for us.
“There is that companionship that exists between all of us.
“There are different ways of playing and as such, it is very important to switch off the club chip and switch on the national team chip.
“And to switch on that willingness to work with all our colleagues.”