Diogo Dalot deserves extra reward than he’s receiving, after a wonderful outing in opposition to West Ham.
Manchester United lastly appear to be hitting their stride. Seven targets of their final couple of Premier League video games, successful six factors within the course of, is definitely a step in the fitting path.
Sure, it’s removed from good. Sure, there are issues that Erik ten Hag’s facet can work on. Nevertheless, I really feel way more constructive about our probabilities going ahead proper now than I did every week in the past. Immediately, it feels prefer it’s beginning to click on.
The likes of Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund deserve all of the plaudits after their respective shows yesterday, although I’d prefer to focus in somebody who I’ve been massively crucial of up to now; Diogo Dalot.
The person from Portugal has emerged because the beginning right-back beneath United’s Dutch gaffer, showcasing superior on-ball means to the likes of Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Sure, the ex-Porto defender might not have the defensive qualities that the Englishman has, however the all-round sport is extra according to the best way Ten Hag likes to play.
In regard to yesterday’s efficiency, we’ve got to start out with that actually outrageous block. Jarrod Bowen was via on purpose, then Dalot got here out of completely nowhere, throwing his physique in entrance of the ball to save lots of an nearly sure West Ham strike. It was a factor of magnificence. The gang and his fellow gamers each confirmed their appreciation in abundance instantly after.
He’s at all times been a passionate participant who wears his coronary heart on his sleeve, at all times keen to excessive 5 his teammates after some good work. Typically, these little issues can result in a much more constructive taking part in atmosphere. That can’t be understated.
Diogo Dalot was completely excellent right this moment. That block after the Maguire mistake. Easy World Class. pic.twitter.com/PAiYiA3EGq
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) February 4, 2024
Dalot might not be the elite defender, however I’d argue the modern-day full-back is much less about that. He has the tempo and positional consciousness to do a strong job on his reverse quantity, whereas offering that vitality that’s required to bomb up and down the sector.
He’s additionally extremely versatile. Ask him to play at left-back and he’ll do a greater than adequate job over there. He’s additionally been deployed as a winger in occasions passed by and with our present struggles in that space of the sector, I wouldn’t be wholly shocked to see that occur once more sooner or later.
The factor with Dalot is that he’s by no means going to present you that 10/10 show, however nor will he provide you with a 2/10. Consistency is vital with him. He’ll at all times show to be strong, if unspectacular. That’s not a criticism. You want gamers like that to win titles. Typically, reliability is the goal of the sport.
I suppose what I’m attempting to say is that Dalot has develop into a tad bit underrated. Sure, he isn’t everybody’s cup of tea. Heck, I’m nonetheless not satisfied he can begin week-in-week-out in a title-winning facet. Nevertheless, he deserves extra respect than he’s getting proper now and I’m very happy to carry my palms up and admit I used to be flawed a bout him.
Effectively performed, Diogo.
Do you assume Diogo Dalot has what it takes to make that right-back slot his personal? Tell us your ideas within the remark field beneath.
