Diogo Dalot has made a strong impression lately, following a turbulent period at Manchester United. Last week, he scored his first home league goal for the club against West Ham United. The milestone came seven-and-a-half years into his tenure. He joyfully acknowledged this moment by making a ‘C’ gesture, dedicated to his daughter, Clara, and his wife, Claudia. Despite his well-played 58th-minute goal, the match ended in disappointment as West Ham equalized.
Recent Performance Highlights
Dalot’s recent form has been noteworthy. Prior to the clash with West Ham, he delivered a solid performance against Crystal Palace and contributed an assist against Wolverhampton Wanderers. In fact, his involvement resulted in ten offensive actions leading to shots in the last three matches, excluding important long throws. This run of form followed heavy criticism directed at him online, marking a concerning moment in his career as a United player.
The Role Conundrum
Dalot, typically a right-back, has been deployed as a left wing-back. This shift has raised questions about his effectiveness. Fans express their skepticism, with some wondering why a right-footed player would take on a position more suited for a left-footed player like Patrick Dorgu.
- Dalot has been noted for his strong performances at set pieces.
- Coach Ruben Amorim highlights his versatility, saying he is essential to the team’s strategy.
Moreover, Dalot’s playing style tends to favor a more central position, which can constrict the team’s width as teams commonly utilize inverted wingers. Consequently, when he maintains a wider position, he must adapt his crossing techniques, which can disrupt momentum.
Future Prospects and Team Dynamics
Despite uncertainties surrounding his role, Dalot remains a valuable player for United. His strong performances have not gone unnoticed, as the club has no intention of selling him. He has become one of the team’s key assets, with impressive statistics showing he played 42, 50, and 53 games over the last three seasons. Last season, he was even named player of the year.
Dalot’s ability to engage with fans has contributed to his resilience in the face of criticism. He has demonstrated a strong sense of loyalty to the club. In a conversation with the United fanzine Red News, he stated, “I want them to look at me and say, ‘OK, this guy, every time he wears the shirt, he was representing the standards.”
As of now, Manchester United holds 25 points after 15 matches, showing an improvement from the previous season. Although they have conceded more goals this year, Dalot’s contributions in attack have played a role in increasing their scoring tally significantly. His ongoing journey will play a vital part in United’s aspirations as they progress through the league season.
