Portuguese media react to Diogo Dalot’s performance vs Denmark as “very important” moment noticed

Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot was part of the Portugal team to fall to a 1-0 defeat against Denmark on Thursday evening.

Diogo Dalot once again started in the backline for Portugal in their first-leg clash against Denmark in the Nations League quarter-final.

The Manchester United star started three of the six group games in the competition and has become a more consistent fixture in the lineup under Roberto Martínez.

However, it was Dalot’s club teammate, Rasmus Højlund, who scored the only goal of the game to give Denmark an advantage heading into the second-leg on the weekend.

The return leg comes on Sunday evening and it would be a huge upset if the Danes are able to hold onto their lead.

Portuguese media react to Dalot’s display in Denmark vs Portugal

Bruno Fernandes also started the clash alongside Dalot and played 90 minutes. The defender, meanwhile, was replaced after 66 minutes for Nélson Semedo.

The United defender was actually one of Portugal’s brighter players on the night. He created two chances – which was more than the front four, which included Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo, put together.

Portuguese media outlet A Bola ranked Dalot as a 6/10 on the night, which was the joint-highest for any outfield Portugal player.

They also noted an important clearance Dalot made on the goal-line at the end of the first-half to thwart Christian Eriksen, his United teammate.

“Many forays down the right flank, not all of them dangerous. In the 35th minute, receiving a long cross from Rafael Leão, he headed the ball to Ronaldo, who deflected it wide,” they wrote.

“Very important, in the 43rd minute, preventing Eriksen from scoring on the goal line. He would come off midway through the second half, to be replaced by Nélson Semedo.”

Dalot is better on right side

Dalot has been heavily criticised at Old Trafford this season after receiving the club’s Player of the Year trophy last term.

His form has picked up in recent weeks – he has one goal and two assists in his last five United games.

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It is becoming clear that the Portuguese defender, understandably, is much better on the right flank. His attacking abilities are far from perfect but look more natural on that side.

That was showcased in this Portugal game as well, despite the result, and the defender will be hoping that he can build some form on that side now that Patrick Dorgu’s suspension is

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