
Key strength: Pace and recovery
Overlapping full-back
As Manchester United sit proudly in 3rd place and ride momentum from their WWLDW run, Diogo Dalot has quietly established himself as one of Erik ten Hag's most trusted lieutenants. The 27-year-old Portuguese right-back, now commanding a €30 million market value, has been a near-ever-present with 2,506 minutes across 32 appearances this season. While Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko grab the attacking headlines up front, Dalot's understated contributions—1 goal and 3 assists from deep—have proven crucial in tight contests. Operating as United's overlapping full-back, the No. 2 marries defensive discipline (70 defending rating) with progressive intent, offering width and delivering dangerous balls into the channel. With just 5 yellow cards across 32 matches, his positional intelligence keeps United's right flank secure while supporting transitions. As the Red Devils battle for Champions League qualification, Dalot's remarkable consistency and 73 overall rating make him the unsung foundation of their backline, outshining higher-profile teammates through sheer reliability.