Manchester United star Diogo Dalot has admitted that one of his talented teammates can become one of the best in the world in his position.
Diogo Dalot, who is on international duty with Portugal, has been in impressive form at Old Trafford this season under Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag.
The 25-year-old United full-back has started 25 of his 26 Premier League matches in the current campaign, with Dalot scoring once and picking up two assists.
Dalot had previously struggled to establish himself as a regular at United, having even spent a loan spell out at Serie A side AC Milan in the 2020-21 season.
However, the United defender has since turned things around and even thrived at Old Trafford after the arrival of Erik ten Hag from Ajax in 2022.
Dalot has become a regular starter under United manager Ten Hag, who appears to prefer the Portugal international at right-back ahead of Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Man Utd star Dalot praises teammate
Diogo Dalot has now insisted that Portugal teammate Diogo Costa could become one of the best ‘keepers in the world thanks to his potential ability.
Diogo Costa, who was linked with Manchester United last summer, came through the Porto academy and has since established himself in the club’s first team.
The 24-year-old Porto star received his international debut under former Portugal boss Fernando Santos in 2021 and has since been capped 19 times for his country.
Speaking to Sport TV (via the Metro), Dalot said: “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.”
Costa’s stance on Man Utd links
Costa had been linked with United as a potential replacement for David de Gea, who left Old Trafford last summer after talks over a new contract broke down.
However, United turned their attention to Andre Onana and signed the former Ajax star from Serie A side Inter Milan in a deal worth £47.2m last summer.
Andre Onana had come under mounting criticism earlier this season over his mistakes, but the United star has weathered the storm at Old Trafford.
Ten Hag had worked with the 27-year-old Cameroonian at Ajax and is a big fan of Onana, who excels with his distribution unlike United legend David de Gea.
Costa played down the speculation around his club future last summer and insisted that he was happy at Porto, despite the rumoured interest from United.
When asked about a move to Old Trafford, Costa said in June 2023: “That’s the internet.”
He added: “It is a happiness and an honour to play for my favourite club.
“What they say is what they say, there is nothing concrete, I have a contract until 2027 and I hope to continue, let’s see.”