Diogo Dalot joined Manchester United in 2018 from Benfica. The Portuguese took time to settle at the club. Now into his sixth season at the club, Dalot has found his touch at Old Trafford. Manchester United have struggled in the full-back position over the years. Players have suffered injuries and the backline has witnessed many changes in the past.
This season, the Red Devils have faced a lot of injury issues. Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka play as the right-backs. Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia are the left-back options for Erik ten Hag. However, injuries to both full-backs have forced the Dutch manager to make several changes in the starting 11. Diogo Dalot has been forced to play as the left-back in most matches. A look at what this full-back has in store and why he has been an asset for the Manchester club.
Versatile full-back
Diogo Dalot is a natural right-back who likes to make forward runs. Aaron Wan-Bissaka is playing on the right flank these days and Dalot has been shifted to the left side. The Portuguese has spent 31% of his minutes on the left in the English Premier League this season.
The 24-year-old likes to make attacking runs and has been pretty effective in doing this throughout the season. Dalot has averaged 1.4 progressive runs per 90 minutes and enjoyed a 58.2% dribble success rate. In the 2023-24 season, the full-back has made more successful runs down the right flank. Dalot has struggled to dribble past defenders on the left side.
Diogo Dalot is not known for his defensive qualities and is more strong in moving the ball forward. This season things have been a little bit different. Dalot has won around 55% of his duels and has an interception rate of 4.09 per 90 minutes.
One of the strongest elements in Dalot’s game is his ability to recover the ball. He averages 9.15 recoveries per 90 minutes and 33% of these have been made in the attacking half. The above viz shows that most of these recoveries have been counter-pressing. Most of the dangerous recoveries have been made in the final third.
This plot pairs the quality of a defender’s actions with their tackling ability. Those excelling in both metrics would be vital for stopping opposition wingers and full-backs. Dalot is rated among the best in the Premier League.
The creative side of Diogo Dalot
Diogo Dalot has a creative side in his game. The full-back knows how to deliver passe into the penalty box and gave an assist to one of the best goals in the history of the Premier League.
In the 2023-24 season, Dalot has two goals and two assists to his name. Most of his shot assists have landed in dangerous scoring areas.
Diogo Dalot is helping Manchester United during this injury-hit season. He is improving his game, especially in the defence. Erik ten Hag will hope for more improvement and take his side to a top-four finish.
Visuals via TFA data viz engine