Diogo Dalot might not have took the headlines in Portugal’s win, but he put in a really strong display.
A top performance which follows some really impressive displays from the full-back in the last few weeks.
Having filled in at left back for United in recent weeks to cover for the absence of Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia, he was back in his natural position on Friday night.
Diogo Dalot is one of the most under appreciated players at Old Trafford and again showed for his nation why he deserves to be in the team.
On a night which saw the birthday boy Bruno Fernandes steal the headlines as Portugal broke their qualifying record by achieving their best ever qualifying finish with five consecutive wins and amassing a lot of goals too.
Dalot deserves praise for his role.
Dalot dominates against Slovakia
In a team which had several key performers, one was United‘s number 20.
Playing all 90 minutes, Dalot was a force to be reckoned with as he pushed Joao Cancelo to left-back due to his national form.
Using stats via SofaScore we can see, Diogo dominated defensively making three clearances, along with an interception and a tackle.
On-top of this he won 3/4 (75%) duels in what was a terrific performance by the United man.
In possession he was also strong, making 71 touches, he completed 40/45 passes which is a stunning 89%. Of these passes, he made one key pass and also completed a cross.
Should he start over Wan-Bissaka?
One of the most hotly contested positions in Erik ten Hag’s team is that right-back berth.
Both bring their own qualities to the team, but an on-form Dalot is miles clear of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, at least in terms of being solid in possession.
This performance should serve as yet another reminder to Ten Hag that Dalot should be in the line-up.
However for now, with injuries, it probably makes sense that the Portugese defender is utilised on the left instead, as the other options there aren’t great.
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