Manchester United right-back Diogo Dalot was one of the standout performers as the Red Devils secured a vital 2-1 win over Aston Villa on Sunday evening.
Manager Erik ten Hag was quick to praise the Portuguese international after the final whistle, saying there has been a clear development in all aspects of the player’s game:
“Everyone gets criticism but he is a fantastic player who is developing very well. He can play in so many positions and he is improving on crosses. He can score and his defending is improving so I am very pleased with him.”
Fans on X echoed ten Hag’s remarks, with many claiming that Dalot has been one of United’s most consistent performers this campaign:
Been unreal this season.
Deffo our player of the season.
Hopefully he keeps it up
— Harry 🇬🇧💫 (@utdHarryy) February 11, 2024
He’s sooo good
— Rashford.szn 🐐 (@ESUTD_) February 11, 2024
MAN IS MASSIVE
— MAVIN⚡ (@UTD_Mavin2) February 11, 2024
2nd Best RB in the league
— UTDSiF (@OlatunjiDrsif) February 11, 2024
Ten Hag’s praise for Dalot speaks volumes! Versatile, improving, and a valuable asset to the team. Keep up the great work!
— شازی (@shazy761) February 11, 2024
Our best defender 🔥🔥🔥❤️❤️
— Manchester United Forever (@Utd_Forever7) February 11, 2024
Dalot has improved his defending
There have been times in the past when the 24-year-old has been caught out defensively, and that prompted some to call for a better fullback to be brought in..
However, as ten Hag points out, we have seen improvement from Dalot in all areas and, at Villa Park, he was tracking back runners and making tackles left, right and centre.
United is making key contributions in the final third
As well as being more defensively sound, the fullback continues to produce the goods in forward areas. As we have seen against Sheffield United and Wigan this season, he is capable of scoring great goals, but his crossing is arguably his best attribute.
Dalot’s pinpoint delivery was crucial for Scott McTominay’s winner against Villa at the weekend.
