After Cristiano Ronaldo criticised young players in today's game in his interview with Piers Morgan last month, suggesting they lack the same discipline he had when he was an emerging young talent, he was asked to name the players he admires.
He named Lisandro Martinez, Casemiro and Diogo Dalot as the players he admired most at Manchester United, but it was the latter whose reputation was enhanced most in the interview, with the right-back receiving a glowing report from Ronaldo.
A candid Ronaldo said: "In Manchester United, I can mention Dalot, he's young, but very professional but I don't doubt that he's going to have longevity in football because he's young, he's smart, intelligent and he's very professional."
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It was not a surprise that Ronaldo named Dalot, given they are both Portuguese and are known to be friends, despite their age difference, but it was interesting that he singled him out for such praise and lavished him with compliments.
Although Dalot established himself as first-choice right-back at Old Trafford last season, that was arguably by default, to begin with, as it was clear that Aaron Wan-Bissaka was not performing close to the levels that are required, especially offensively.
Ralf Rangnick installed Dalot as first-choice right-back and he's vindicated that since, to the player's credit. Dalot is perhaps the most improved squad member over the last 18 months and he's continued to make tremendous strides forward this term.
Dalot has started 20 of United's 21 games so far this season - David de Gea is the only other player to have achieved the same - and his absence against Fulham at Craven Cottage was due to him being suspended after picking up five yellow cards.
He's become consistent and reliable, which Erik ten Hag appreciates, and his professionalism, as Ronaldo suggested, is helping him make progress, and he would have also impressed staff again when returning to Carrington earlier than scheduled this week.
The Manchester Evening News revealed that Dalot reported at Carrington on Friday morning only six days on from Portugal's quarter-final elimination by Morocco and that willingness to do the extra work is why Ronaldo was so taken by him.
It's understood the United players who exited the World Cup at the quarter-final stage, Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire, Marcus Rashford, Casemiro, Fred, Antony, Tyrell Malacia, Bruno Fernandes and Dalot, were expected to return to training on Monday, but the right-back has taken the initiative and returned early instead, which highlights his professionalism and commitment.
Dalot appeared to sustain an injury against Morocco in Portugal's quarter-final defeat and he'll now be assessed by medical staff at Carrington, who will be hoping his problem is minor, as he's an integral part of Ten Hag's first-team.
The hectic festive period is around the corner and Ten Hag needs Dalot available. Wan-Bissaka and Brandon Willaims are the only other options at right-back and it seems both of those players' days at the club are numbered for a reason.
United return to domestic action against Burnley in the League Cup at Old Trafford on Wednesday and that game might come too soon for Dalot, although that certainly won't be due to a lack of effort to return to full fitness on the player's part.
Dalot is still only 23 years old but he's becoming a leader in the dressing room by setting an example. Ronaldo predicted Dalot would enjoy a long, successful career because of his professionalism and he is qualified to say that more than most.
The right-back has impressed Ronaldo and he's now endearing himself to supporters, unsurprisingly.
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