According to data, Diogo Dalot could be a more reliable option for the Manchester United starting lineup than Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Erik ten Hag considered selling Wan-Bissaka a year ago, but after the defender performed well, especially during the winter season, he decided to keep him due to his significant improvement in 2023.
Dalot renewed his contract with Manchester United this year, extending his tenure at Old Trafford until 2028. Like Wan-Bissaka, there was a period of uncertainty regarding his future.
Last season’s statistics indicate that the Portuguese right-back has greater ball skills than Wan-Bissaka. He not only tries more passes but also provides a diverse range, including short, medium, and long passes. Dalot is more menacing with his passing and crossing abilities and possesses a higher expected assists (xA) statistic.
The 24-year-old excels over Wan-Bissaka in many on-ball statistics, such as critical passes (1.31 per 90 minutes), passes into the final third (3.76 per 90 minutes), and progress passes (4.39 per 90 minutes). Dalot excels in aerial duels, winning 64.2% of them, whereas Wan-Bissaka only wins 41%.
Wan-Bissaka excels in dribbling and ball-carrying, making more dribbles and advanced carries. Dalot is also proficient in this area, with a greater success rate in take-ons, albeit with fewer attempts per 90 minutes.
Wan-Bissaka lacks a significant goal-scoring threat, with an xG of 0.08 compared to Dalot’s 0.10. Wan-Bissaka did not score any non-penalty goals or provide assists in the league last season, while Dalot managed one of each. Dalot poses a greater offensive threat by consistently positioning himself in more advantageous locations to attempt shots on goal, leading to a higher expected goals (xG) value.
The Ten Hag plan makes it a straightforward decision between the two options. Wan-Bissaka is an exceptional defensive right-back, but he lacks the statistical diversity to be chosen above Dalot in the starting lineup.
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