While there has been a notable upturn in performance across the squad under Michael Carrick, Diogo Dalot has shown new levels of focus and dependability over recent games, without necessarily getting the recognition he deserves. Analyst Nik Storey joins Steve in the aftermath of United’s win over Spurs to single out the Portuguese full-back’s recent contribution…
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Think his form over the last couple of seasons has a lot to do with being played out of position, first LB to cover for Shaw under ten Hag then RWB and LWB under Amorim. And the defence has also been really unsettled throughout that time. But he's never moaned or made excuses, he's in the leadership group so obviously a top pro and as a RB in a settled back four I think we'll see the player that won Players Player in 23/24 and had Real Madrid sniffing around.
He's clearly a bright kid and he understands what it means to play for this club. He does have some shortcomings in his defensive play. Sometimes he's not as tight as he should be against opposing wingers in his own defensive third and previously there was a focus issue when doing defending basics at the back post. He's still only 26 though and the next 3 or so years will show his peak years and the experience he already has will hopefully show a solid and consistent performer.
Thanks Steve and Nik. What a line the Moroccan John O'Shea 😂
Diogo has always been very reliable in terms of his availability, athleticism and I always thought he showed good attitude, sometimes too much with high fiving and chest pumping (I needed to see more quality to back all of it). He now added awareness in the latest matches and rightfully is ahead of Mazraoui (with whom, if starting, I would also have 0 issues and worries). He wins duels, is strong in the air, connects well in the midfield and can catch up going back thanks to his speed and endurance. He has quite a few good years still to play at his age. He deserves the praise and I hope he goes on like this and adds sharpness in defensive actions like urgency to block crosses or make them less comfortable for the opposition (nothing really to criticize him for recently, but had been an issue before).
Cheers for praising our unsung heroes, lads, thanks for that!