Arsenal star Leandro Trossard knows all too well the tough challenge that Manchester United and Portugal star Diogo Dalot has put up for him in the past.
Diogo Dalot has been a polarising figure for Manchester United fans since the 27-year-old Portuguese full-back first arrived at Old Trafford under Jose Mourinho.
Whether it was excelling under Erik ten Hag’s reign or struggling to start under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Dalot has had a career of ups and downs at United so far.
The United right-back, who also played as a wing-back under Ruben Amorim, has truly shown how far he has come to none other than Gunners winger Leandro Trossard.
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Leandro Trossard agrees with one major assessment around the development of Man Utd and Portugal defender Diogo Dalot
Speaking to Play Sports, Leandro Trossard was asked to name the toughest opponent from his career and he admitted that Diogo Dalot was a real test for him.
“A few years ago, I thought Dalot was good,” Trossard said.
While the years have passed amid Trossard’s remarks, the 31-year-old Arsenal ace did agree with the host’s sentiments about Dalot’s evolution as a football player.
“It’s interesting you say that: it’s no coincidence that he always plays,” the host told Trossard.
“He left [on loan] and he came back, he keeps coming out on top, so actually he’s an underrated player.”
Dalot is one of the longest-serving players in the Manchester United first-team squad at Old Trafford, despite dividing fans over his mainstay role in the starting XI.
Trossard reflected on the comments that were made by the host and agreed that the United right-back had established himself as an underrated player in football.
“I do think that, yes,” he responded.
What is your verdict on Diogo Dalot’s 2025/26 season?
Love him or hate him, Diogo Dalot has undeniably defied expectations at Man Utd with his development
Jose Mourinho was a big fan of Dalot when the Red Devils made a move for him when he was a teenager, with United signing him from Porto for £19m in 2019.
Whether or not Man Utd fans would align themselves with Mourinho’s high praise for the Portugal international is a whole different story to debate around Dalot.
“He is an extremely talented young defender with all the qualities to quickly become a great player for this club,” Mourinho said in 2019, as per BBC Sport.
However, Dalot’s resilience to fight for his United place after being loaned out to AC Milan and returning to dethrone Aaron Wan-Bissaka was a major feat for him.
Outside of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Old Trafford, every permanent United manager since Mourinho has embraced Dalot into their Red Devils plans and tactical set-ups.
The evolution of Dalot’s career and continued development have shown why a player like Trossard would not forget their experience of playing against him.
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