Wan-Bissaka or Dalot: Erik ten Hag's Man Utd right-back decision is OBVIOUS

Jacque Talbot

Updated: 11 Aug 2023 09:51 CDT
3 min read

Diogo Dalot might well be a more assured choice for the Manchester United starting XI than Aaron Wan-Bissaka, according to SciSports data.

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Erik ten Hag had it in mind to put Wan-Bissaka up for sale this time last year, but a great showing from the defender in the subsequent season, particularly during the winter period, meant that he changed his mind, with the former Crystal Palace man having something of a glow-up in 2023.

Dalot signed fresh terms with Man Utd this year, increasing his stay at Old Trafford until 2028 but, similar to Wan-Bisska, his future was uncertain at one point as well.

But last season's numbers actually show that the Portuguese right-back is better with the ball than Wan-Bissaka. Not only does he attempt more passes, but he offers a wider variety with a good mix of short, medium, and long passes. Dalot is also more threatening with his passing and crossing and has a higher xA figure.

The 24-year-old basically outperforms Wan-Bissaka in all on-ball metrics, including key passes, which are 1.31 per 90 minutes, passes into the final third, 3.76 per 90 minutes, and progress passes - 4.39 per 90 minutes. Meanwhile, Dalot is better in the air and wins 64.2% of his aerials compared to Wan-Bissaka’s 41%.

Wan-Bissaka is slightly better at dribbling and carrying the ball, attempting a higher number of dribbles and progressive carries, but Dalot is not too far behind and actually has a higher successful take-on percentage, although not as much volume per 90 minutes.

Dalot's attacking numbers

© ProShots - Dalot signed fresh terms in May

Wan-Bissaka’s goal threat is almost non-existent, but their xG figures are pretty close (0.08 vs 0.10 in favour of Dalot) - however, Wan-Bissaka is poor in front of goal, with no non-penalty goals or assists in the league last season, while Dalot has one of each. Dalot offers more threat by getting into better positions to take shots at goal and unsurprisingly has a higher xG as a result.

With the Ten Hag blueprint, it is a clear choice between the pair. Wan-Bissaka is a hugely impressive defensive right-back but he just does not have the variety in numbers to be placed ahead of Dalot for the starting XI.