Diogo Dalot was tipped for the top when Jose Mourinho signed him for Manchester United four years ago as the Portugal defender continues to prove his compatriot - and former manager - right after passing another milestone in his promising career for club and country.
Having been cast aside by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer - who succeeded Mourinho at the Old Trafford helm - Dalot found himself back in favour under Ralf Rangnick and has since established himself as first choice right-back after Erik ten Hag was sworn in as permanent manager in the summer.
His status within the United squad has led to reports Ten Hag could offer him a new contract or, at the very least, trigger the one-year option in his current agreement. Either way, Dalot is here to stay when only 12 months ago he appeared to be surplus.
Fast forward to the present day and Dalot is set to return to Carrington after underlining his progress even further on the international stage. Indeed, during this latest break, the right-back grabbed his first two Portugal goals when winning his sixth cap against Czech Republic in Nations League Group A2.
Speaking about Dalot shortly after signing him from Portuguese side Porto, ex-United and current Roma manager, Mourinho, had no doubts that his €22million recruit was destined for big things. Four years later, Dalot is starting to live up to that sky-high tag and those deserved rewards could be around the corner.
Mourinho said: "He has the attributes that a full-back needs - physicality, tactical intelligence and technical quality, combined with a Porto Academy mentality which prepares players for the maturity they need at professional level.
"In his age group, he's the best full-back in Europe and we all believe he has a bright future ahead of him."
Dalot is technically out of contract next summer. However, the club can trigger a one-year extension they hold.
Source: m.allfootballapp.com