Diogo Dalot enjoys working with Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag because of the lofty demands he sets for his players and the way he thinks about football.
United have won the Carabao Cup, qualified for the Champions League and reached the FA Cup final this season, which means that Ten Hag's first year at Old Trafford has been widely considered a resounding success.
The squad has responded to his disciplinarian approach and the connection between fans and the club has been restored.
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Dalot has made 42 appearances this term and he's played a key role in the impressive turnaround of fortunes. That contribution has been recognised with a new five-year contract this week and Dalot sat down with club media to celebrate.
In a video reacting to that new deal, Dalot discussed his progress and he praised Ten Hag for the way he operates.
"As you say in Manchester, I'm buzzing. It's been a long journey and to have this opportunity to extend this connection with the club and fans, it's something I was looking forward to. I'm very happy that it's done," he said.
"Apart from the future, the prospect we have now and wanting to fight for every competition, just looking back and what made me sign for this club, the passion I've seen, especially from the fans towards me from day one.
"This love made me believe I can be a really good part of this club for many years and, like I said, the extension means I have the responsibility to keep showing that I deserve to be here and the chance to play for this badge.
"Being a part of this club is something you should be proud of. It has to bring you more responsibility, the demands and standards are high and I have to be up to it. This is a new chapter and a new challenge, hopefully a successful one.
"Since he [Ten Hag] came, the connection we had was good straight away. I enjoy the way he thinks about football and the way he demands. I see myself a lot with that and that's why I've had the opportunity to play a lot of games this season.
"For sure [my best season yet at United], I look at my career here as a progressive one. I think since the start I've grown a lot as a player and as a man. Hopefully the journey can continue and I look at this season as one of my best individually.
"I want to keep improving, hopefully collectively we can do even better and finish the campaign with another trophy."
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