Diogo Dalot names Man United-linked goalkeeper as future ‘best in the world’

Dalot believes that his Portugal team-mate Diogo Costa has the ability to become the best goalkeeper in the world and make the leap to a top European club.

Diogo Dalot has risen close to the top of Manchester United‘s fan-favourites list this season, with consistently solid performances under Erik ten Hag putting him within the shouts for the Player of the Season award at Old Trafford.

Dalot has started almost every single fixture at the club this season with a total of 38 appearances, with only André Onana appearing in more (39).

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Onana had quite a rough start to life at United, with multiple errors in the Champions League leading many to question if he is good enough to play for the club – but 2024 has brought a much better Onana, with the player now close behind Arsenal’s David Raya for most clean sheets in the Premier League this season.

Before United signed Onana, it was between him and FC Porto’s Diogo Costa to replace David de Gea in goal, and Dalot has had the opportunity to play with both.

Despite Onana’s great form, Dalot explained that he feels it is Costa who may become one of the best goalkeepers in world football, explaining that the young keeper is now ready to make the leap to a top European club.

Dalot told Sport TV, as per the MailOnline: “I think [Costa] is already more than ready for this leap [to a top European club], which will happen when he decides, whenever.  

“I’ve had the opportunity to tell him several times that he has that ability and for me he will be the best goalkeeper in the world soon.

“He’s already one of the best and that’s why I believe he has that potential, that future. In addition to being a great friend, he is a great goalkeeper and I look forward to seeing what he will do in the future.”

United opted to sign Onana over Costa as Inter Milan were demanding around £20 million less for the Cameroon goalkeeper. While United and Inter ended up settling for a fee of around £43 million, Porto were demanding in excess of £65 million for Costa last summer.