In an official interview with Manchester United, Dalot looked back fondly on his six years with the team and shared his thoughts on his teammates, his changing role and the current state of the team.
Speaking about being named Player of the Season by his teammates last season, Dalot couldn't hide his excitement: "It was definitely one of my proudest moments at the club, especially since the recognition came from my teammates, with whom I have spent the most time. Their recognition assures me that I've been doing the right thing and that's very special to me."
As his time at United has grown, Dalot has gradually become a senior player in the team. He admits: "I didn't intentionally pursue this position, but I did gain a lot of experience playing here for such a long time. The increase in the number of matches has also put me in this position gradually. I am enjoying the change and am willing to take on more responsibility."
Dalot has his own understanding of the responsibilities that come with being a "senior player": "I think it's a combination of things. As well as being a leader on the pitch, I want new players to feel welcome when they come here. I'll make sure they understand the values and standards of the club and try to pass that on to them."
Fans often talk about Dalot's celebrations after scoring a goal or winning a game and how he looks like a real fan. In response, Dalot said, "It's a natural feeling that comes with being at the club for a long time. I started to see myself not just as a player but more as a club. I like to look at things that way and try to understand how the fans feel and how much they love the club."
Dalot has been fighting for his place in the competitive Manchester United. He admits, "If you want to be at the highest level of soccer, you have to be prepared for it. I've been lucky enough to go through various stages at this club and those experiences have allowed me to understand sometimes how my teammates feel when things aren't going well. I see going through these processes as an advantage."
This season, Dalot has been seen frequently in the midfield area and has been more involved in the offense. He said of this, "It brings a different perspective and challenge for me. The midfield plays at a much faster pace than the side, which requires me to think faster. I've been enjoying the challenge and happy to continue to do so."
Speaking about the new faces that have emerged in the backline this season, Dalot said, "Making connections is a daily challenge. We pay special attention to the connection in the backline as it is key to our team's defense. The arrival of new players always makes a difference, but as a team we need to work on this together."
Dalot had high praise for the performance of his new teammate Mazrahi: "He showed that he is a very good player. It's no coincidence that he's played for one of the biggest clubs in the world. We just need to capitalize on his strengths and I'm sure he'll make a lot of difference for us."
With several other wingbacks edging closer to returning from injury, Dalot welcomed their return, "It's really hard to see the tough process they've been through. We're really happy to have them back, the team needs them."
Finally, talking about the form of his teammate Onana, Dalot said, "I think he's found his mental balance and is both calm and confident. That showed on the pitch that he's very good."
