HERE at Dream Team we felt rather sheepish after the first three Game Weeks of the season.
Prior to the start of the campaign we tipped Diogo Dalot (£3.4m) as a potentially clever value-for-money defensive option.
So when the Portugal international was on minus five points after his first three outings we felt guilty about misleading our loyal gaffers.
Thankfully, the 23-year-old has been on a rampage since then and after a Star Man showing against West Ham on Sunday he now finds himself as the third-best asset in his position.
Dalot has plundered 50 points across the last four Game Weeks and has the opportunity to add further returns this Thursday if selected against Real Sociedad in the Europa League.
Man United stuttered in the opening fixtures of the season but Erik ten Hag has got a firm grip on proceedings since the 4-0 defeat to Brentford in west London.
The Red Devils have beaten Liverpool, Arsenal and Spurs and their only loss in their last ten domestic fixtures came against neighbours Man City at the Etihad.
Dalot’s efforts at right-back have significantly contributed to the uplift and he’s currently one of the first names on the team sheet.
His header against Sheriff Tiraspol in Game Week 11 was his first goal of the season and he’s also provided two assists.
More generally, his influence in the final third has vastly improved Man United’s attacking structure, which is one of the reasons Aaron Wan-Bissaka (£2.4m), who is limited in possession, is unlikely to get much of a look-in despite the fact he’s available for selection again after a back injury.
Dalot’s prosperous run started with three consecutive clean sheets against Omonia Nicosia, Newcastle and Spurs – he earned 7+ ratings in each of those fixtures.
His streak was partially interrupted with a blank at Stamford Bridge but he’s roared back with 26 points in his last two outings.
The ex-Porto defender now has 75 points to his name, a tally only bettered by Kieran Trippier (£4.6m) and Joao Cancelo (£7.4m) among players in his position.
Not only is Dalot one of the most in-form assets Dream Team has to offer at the moment, his current price of £3.4m is incredibly affordable.
Victory over West Ham moved Man United up to fifth in the table and they have a game in hand over Newcastle and Spurs – they are very much top four contenders.
A quick glance at the fixtures suggests Dalot’s fruitful spell may extend to the World Cup break.
Ten Hag’s side face Real Sociedad this week before a double header against goal-shy Aston Villa (one clash in the league and the other in the Carabao Cup) before seeing in the break with a trip to Craven Cottage.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
