Diogo Dalot – The ever-improving two-way defender

A little over two weeks shy of his 25th birthday, Manchester United’s Diogo Dalot has solidified himself as Erik ten Hag’s primary option on the right side of his defence. But, despite the player’s continuous availability and growth from season to season, his selection continues to be a contentious talking point amongst the partisan support in Old Trafford.

Throughout a campaign that has flattered to deceive – with a contingent crying for a change of manager at the club, there have been very few positive points for fans of the 20-time champions of England. While there is ample room for continued growth and consistency in performance, United’s Portuguese full-back has earned recognition for his efforts throughout the campaign.

In what is his fifth season at the club, not including his 2020/21 loan stint with Serie A side Milan, the man who arrived as an impressive prospect at 19 years old – one that then manager José Mourinho referred to as “the best full-back in Europe in his age group” – has struggled to captivate his audience and truly nail down a starting birth. That was until the injury to Aaron Wan Bissaka earlier this season opened a door that Dalot was more than happy to enter.

So, disregarding a hail of negativity surrounding standards and a baffling insistence on referring to performances of days gone by, why do I believe the former Porto youth sensation deserves acknowledgement for his progression? Let us explore that below.

Whether written or spoken, I regularly emphasise the importance of a player’s availability and, as my comrades on the Strettycast know all too well, the greatest attribute of any footballer is their consistent presence for selection. During a season that has seen this squad decimated by injuries, Dalot has remained available throughout.

Featuring 35 times in four competitions, he has missed a solitary game due to suspension. Otherwise, he has completed 90 minutes on 89% of his appearances, supplying a staggering tally of 2954 competitive first-team minutes. Not only does his undeniable work-rate on the field highlight his impressive engine, but his ability to maintain his fitness is a credit to his application off the field.

Ten Hag has dealt with a barrage of selection issues across the field well before kickoff against Wolves on August 18, 2023. With Tyrell Malacia unavailable since his injury towards the end of last season, Luke Shaw has missed 22 fixtures due to an ongoing lack of availability.

Naturally, this has left a void on the left side of defence, to which we have seen Dalot deputise on eight occasions this season. To have a player comfortable fulfilling his duties on either side of his central defenders is an invaluable asset. Furthermore, it offers an opportunity to alter tactical instructions mid-game, supplying an avenue for interchange.

When we highlight the word ‘interchange’ in the Dutch tactician’s game plan, we are accustomed to rotations across the field. Central to his philosophy is the variation between inverted and overloaded full-backs. Having developed his skills to accommodate the requirements of his manager, Dalot is quickly becoming an asset during every stage of a game.

In 2024, the role of the ‘modern’ full-back is convoluted – with household names like Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kyle Walker fulfilling a predominant task in one half of the field, with many questions surrounding the deficiencies they hold in the other. United’s impressive full-back is cultivating a growing reputation as a standout two-way defender with commendable abilities in defence and the final phases of attack.

When considering the defensive side of his game, Dalot is a workhouse with his output. He eclipses the efforts of Alexander-Arnold and Walker with successful tackles made, supplying an average of 2.19 per 90′. Additionally, while few defenders can throw their hat at every defensive metric, the Portuguese ranks between the 61st to the 71st percentile in the four other underlying metrics, completing an average of 1.16 interceptions, 1.33 blocks, 3.22 clearances and 1.03 aerial battles won per 90′.

In transitional phases, his workload is immense. When assessing his pressing ability, he ranks in the 81st percentile for ball recoveries, averaging 5.97 per 90′. In possession, his carrying ability has improved dramatically, seeing him in the 74th percentile for carries into the opposition penalty area and the 72nd for successful take-ons.

When we look solely at his goal contributions, a tally of five (two goals and three assists) is an unfair reflection of his attacking output this season. Much of this comes down to the struggles of United’s forward line, with a well-documented inability in front of goal. Dalot’s precise crossing has received much applause in recent months, with the defender ranked in the 75th percentile for successful crosses into the penalty area.

Additionally, his passing range has increased tenfold. Completing an average of 4.86 long passes into key attacking areas, a ranking of 86 percentile is a testament to his technical ability. He has become shrewd in his game management through transition, recognising the benefits of switching the play to facilitate overloads. He ranks 74th percentile for successful switches per 90′ in the Premier League.

As a football writer and fan of the beautiful game, I do my best to assess individual scenarios with the utmost neutrality. I firmly believe that many of his naysayers continue to disregard his progression due to an underlying disdain. Far be it from me to tell any individual what to think, but it is foolhardy to ignore something based on a predetermined thought process.

I’ve regularly spoken about his development over the last four seasons – often receiving visceral abuse for such. But this is a footballer who wants to play for Manchester United, listens to the manager’s instructions, and runs himself ragged for the supporters of this football club. He does so without controversy or an outlandish off-the-field persona.

Squads win titles – not individuals. So many of the imperious sides of Sir Alex Ferguson were bursting with squad players who desired improvement and maximum contribution. While I am not entirely convinced that he can continue to grow into an elite full-back, I believe he can prove me wrong with performances that merit acknowledgement from the staunchest of objectors.

In a footballing world of controversy, off-the-field antics and superstars with an apparent objection to giving 110% for the badge, Diogo Dalot is one of the good ones, and I can’t help but feel that supporters would be crying out for his signature if he was on the books of a continental rival.

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