Manchester United jumped into fifth place in the Premier League standings after a hard-fought 1-0 win against West Ham at Old Trafford.
United’s only goal came courtesy of Marcus Rashford, who powerfully headed the ball into the back of the net beyond Lukasz Fabianski’s reach.
However, while Rashford will receive their plaudits and rightfully so, it was United’s defensive resilience in the second half that secured the three points.
The center of this master stroke in the back was Diogo Dalot.
The Portuguese has quickly cemented his place in the squad and is currently the only outfield player to have started every game since Erik ten Hag took over at Old Trafford. ‘
The defender once again demonstrated his class and why he is an unbeatable player.
Dalot made an astounding five ball recoveries and a similar number of clearances.
The 23-year-old won four duels on the ground against West Ham’s physical and aggressive attackers to ensure none of them broke David de Gea’s goal.
He completed 100% of his long balls – 4/4, in a display of his technical improvement on the ball under Ten Hag.
Dalot also made four key passes and won plenty of tackles from his defensive position on the right flank.
The winger made three crucial interceptions.
Dalot was not entirely confined to his half, as it may have seemed during the match. He completed two crosses, now of what should have been an assist, but Rashford couldn’t connect on the sublimely delivered ball.
The player also completed 100% of his dribbles and won 100% of his dribbles.
Diogo Dalot’s match in numbers vs. West Ham:
5 ball recoveries 5 clearances 4 ground duels won 4/4 long balls completed 4 key passes ???? 4 tackles won 3 interceptions ???? 2 crosses completed ???? 2/2 aerial duels won 1/1 dribble completed
Outstanding in all areas of the field. ???? pic.twitter.com/NOMSvD1ht1
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) October 30, 2022
Hopefully the club will resolve his contract issue and tie the Portuguese international to a longer stay at the Theater of Dreams. His remarkable improvement certainly justifies it; At this rate, the sky is the limit for Dalot.
