Diogo Dalot has claimed that former Manchester United team-mate Anthony Martial 'could have been the best player in the world' if he had shown more consistency. The Portuguese defender made the remarks while selecting his dream five-a-side team, picking the Frenchman alongside Cristiano Ronaldo.
Martial spent nine years at Old Trafford after becoming the most expensive teenager in history under Louis van Gaal. He announced himself with a memorable debut goal against Liverpool but endured periods of poor form, only once surpassing 20 goals in a season. Despite this, Dalot insisted Martial's talent was exceptional.
'In training, he could do things that you'd say you had to stop training,' Dalot said. 'I played a lot against him, and it was really tough. If he wanted, he could be the best player in the world. Easily.' The comments left former United defender Rio Ferdinand stunned, with Ferdinand recalling that ex-interim boss Michael Carrick had once tipped Martial to win the Ballon d'Or.
Martial's inconsistency led to a loan spell at Sevilla, where he struggled, and he left United in 2024 after his contract expired. He moved to Greek side AEK Athens but stayed only a year before joining Mexican club Monterrey.
