Dalot becomes key for both club and country
Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot has played his role in helping Portugal achieve historic qualification success ahead of the Euro 2024 tournament.
Roberto Martinez's men currently hold a perfect record in Group J, having won all eight of their qualification games so far, representing a feat that had previously never been achieved by the national side.
Our no.20 has played his part in that success as a key member of the defensive unit, using his versatility to operate on both the right and left flanks. Portugal have conceded only two goals in this period, and in the six games that Dalot has started, he has helped deliver five clean sheets for his country.
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"We have made history in this qualifying phase by winning the first eight games," he said. "Something that has never happened before.
"I am very happy to have played an important role in this journey."
Despite the record-breaking run, the right-back is not content with stopping there. He wants to push his team further to extend his country's perfect record.
"Now it's time to try to win the two remaining games, so we can finish in perfect fashion," he concluded.
Portugal officially booked their place at Euro 2024 last Friday (13 October) with a 3-2 victory over Slovakia on home turf. Their celebrations continued on Monday, with comfortable 5-0 win over Bosnia & Herzegovina, with Dalot featuring in both games, and Reds skipper Bruno Fernandes continuing his excellent form for his country.
United fans will need no reminder how important Diogo has been back at Old Trafford, with his adaptability and determination proving priceless assets while the team has dealt with defensive injuries in the early part of this season.
Portugal have two further qualifiers to play, against Liechtenstein and Iceland next month, before they embark on the main competition in Germany in the summer of 2024, as one of the early favourites to lift the trophy.
Next up for Dalot, though, is Saturday's Premier League contest at Sheffield United, as Erik ten Hag's side look to build on the dramatic comeback against Brentford last time out, when the 24-year-old was heavily involved in the build-up to Scott McTominay's equaliser.