Created more chances than any other EPL defender – Man Utd stalwart remains a key player for Carrick

Manchester United full-back Diogo Dalot is leading the Premier League charts in terms of chances created this season.

The Portuguese has been at the club since making the £20 million move from Porto in the summer of 2018, although he spent the 2020/21 campaign on loan at AC Milan.

The 27-year-old became a regular starter under Erik ten Hag, and went on to maintain his role during Ruben Amorim and Michael Carrick’s reigns.

Diogo Dalot leads Premier League charts

While he’s considered the first choice at right-back, Dalot is one of many Man Utd players who have been deployed out of position this season, with Carrick forced to hustle amid the lack of options.

With Luke Shaw and Patrick Dorgu both ruled out with injuries, the Portuguese international started on the left in Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Leeds United.

His highlight was creating a second-half chance after winning back possession deep in his own half and storming past several opponents before picking up Amad Diallo with a clever through ball. Unfortunately for Man Utd, the Ivorian’s shot was too weak to trouble James Trafford.

Nevertheless, this chance was hardly an isolated action from Dalot. In fact, the stats reveal that the Man Utd full-back has created more goal-scoring opportunities from any other defender in the Premier League since the start of the season.

Dalot’s importance to Man United

Needless to say, Dalot isn’t exactly everyone’s cup of tea, with many fans and pundits arguing that the club needs an upgrade on the right flank.

While reinforcement is always welcomed, this doesn’t necessarily mean that the Braga native shouldn’t be part of the Man Utd squad.

Dalot has been fully dedicated to the cause, never showing complacency on the pitch. He is one of the players who genuinely care about the club.

Thanks to his versatility, availability, and staunch desire to give his all to the team, Dalot should be able to keep a place in the squad, even if United decide to sign a new right-back.