Erik ten Hag Praises Dalot Performances This Season
Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has praised Diogo Dalot for his impressive performances during the 2023-24 season. The 25-year-old has been one of the most consistent players for United in what has been a challenging season, appearing in 49 matches across all competitions, scoring three goals, and providing five assists.
Dalot scored his second Premier League goal of the season in the 2-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion on the final matchday.
The Portugal international missed only two league games this season: he was an unused substitute in the opener against Wolverhampton Wanderers and suspended for the match against West Ham United on December 23.
Embed from Getty ImagesTen Hag commended Dalot’s form after the Brighton match, highlighting his versatility and development as a full-back. “It is about making overloads in midfield and, from there on, he is a very good runner in behind, he can do it from left and right full-back,” Ten Hag said. “He can attack from there but also in the centre areas and on wide areas, by bringing crosses in.
He is a player who has developed as a full-back, and not just as a full-back, but also as an inverted one too. I think his development has been very good this season and we are very pleased with him.”
Against Brighton, Dalot made two tackles and completed 87% of his passes, with 33 out of 38 finding a teammate, according to WhoScored.
Despite the anticipated departures from Manchester United this summer, Dalot should be considered untouchable. The Portuguese defender has been a standout player this season and should be a key part of the team’s future.
He has often played as a left-back due to injury issues within the squad but is expected to return to his natural right-back position next season, with Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia available on the left, and potentially another player arriving in that position.
Dalot signed a new contract with Manchester United in March 2023, extending his stay until June 2028. His performances and versatility make him an essential part of Manchester United’s plans moving forward.
Erik ten Hag Praises Dalot Performances This Season
