Diogo Dalot, a player for Manchester United, recently expressed his admiration for former teammate Anthony Martial's talent, suggesting that Martial 'could have been the best player in the world' if he had been more driven. This statement comes in light of Martial's mixed career at Manchester United, where he joined as the most expensive teenager in history but struggled with consistency over his nine-year tenure. Despite his undeniable skill, Martial was only able to exceed the 20-goal mark on a single occasion, leading to questions about his potential.

Martial's career has seen high points, such as his debut goal against Liverpool, which showcased his promise and talent. However, he also faced long spells of underperformance, leaving many to ponder what might have been if he had managed to maintain a higher level of play consistently. Dalot's comments not only highlight Martial's skill but also reflect on the pressures and expectations placed on top talents in the competitive atmosphere of the Premier League.

The discussion has garnered attention, especially among former players like Rio Ferdinand, who were taken aback by Dalot's remarks. This conversation taps into broader themes within football regarding player potential versus performance, emphasizing that immense talent is sometimes thwarted by factors such as motivation and mental resilience. As fans and analysts continue to assess Martial's career, discussions like these reignite interest in what made his early prospects so promising.