Diego Carlos

[Smithy]

There was a bit in the second half last night where Haaland won a freekick from him out on the touchline, and though I thought it was harsh, it was the way Diego not only stopped him turning, but literally man-handled him towards the line, utlimately pushing him over when he didn't want to go over.  He wasn't looking for the foul, he just couldn't roll Diego like he wanted to. 

He's clearly a very strong lad, but he also looked very good on the ball last night, showing no ill-effects after his mistake on Saturday.  I still think Konsa is the number one in that position, but the drop-off in quality isn't very much at all at the minute.  And this is all happening with last season's best centre-back out of the season. 

[Footy-Vill]

Wow. Thought he was great on the ball , defensively and literally I think one needless foul. Absolutely fantastic showing and he delivered some great direct passing through to Watkins.
Brilliant from Diego and he kept Haaland out the game.
Like Pau was Champions League level defending.

[Nii Lamptey]

Went from super confident to terrified when I saw that he'd stuck with the same backline as Bournemouth.

How wrong was I - Diego was a man-mountain last night! As well as a flawless defensive display, I was massively impressed with his passing range, pinging balls forward effortlessly.

Also noticed that it looked like Pep had told Haaland to press Torres as he always seemed to be on him when he received the ball, as he'd obviously earmarked him as the main supply line threat. Backfired massively when his defensive partner was resembling a Brazilian Beckenbauer!

I will never doubt you again Diego. Masterful performance!

[Des Little]

The bloke's a proper unit.  Hats off to him for forcing his way in, and adapting to our pattern of play so well.  A folk hero in the making.

[Toronto Villa]

It's easy to forget that he didn't get time to learn the game in the PL because he got injured and missed pretty much the entire season. He then comes back and Mings goes down which likely speeds up his involvement coming back from that injury. So in a way this is his first season like it is Torres. And for as big and strong as he is, he is coming to terms with the speed and physicality of the PL. I think overall he's been superb. And we've also got Lenglet in the background for further cover.

[PaulWinch again]

Brilliant effort last night. If he can stay fit he is a big asset.

[paul_e]

Brilliant effort last night. If he can stay fit he is a big asset.

Keep him fit and get Mings back and we'll have 4 top class options in there and some very decent youngsters learning from them as well.

[Footy-Vill]

Voted Player of the match tonight on Sky Sports
Immense in his defending.
Does have to be careful with some brute force used at times with the elbows but think he's been solid performing in the central two

[PaulWinch again]

Last couple of games he’s been exceptional. Brilliant to see after a horrible injury. If he can sustain this level we have some incredible options at centre back.

[Chap]

Voted Player of the match tonight on Sky Sports
Immense in his defending.
Does have to be careful with some brute force used at times with the elbows but think he's been solid performing in the central two

Didn’t see Haarland complaining too much, not like the Tarquin softies!

[Rudy Can't Fail]

Last couple of games he’s been exceptional. Brilliant to see after a horrible injury. If he can sustain this level we have some incredible options at centre back.

Very true. I wrongly thought despite him being a class defender he wouldn't come back as strong after his injury. Squad player at best. Not for the first time, how wrong was I. Top player. Top man.

[Footy-Vill]

Last couple of games he’s been exceptional. Brilliant to see after a horrible injury. If he can sustain this level we have some incredible options at centre back.

Very true. I wrongly thought despite him being a class defender he wouldn't come back as strong after his injury. Squad player at best. Not for the first time, how wrong was I. Top player. Top man.

The Emery effect
He improves players.

[AV84]

Last couple of games he’s been exceptional. Brilliant to see after a horrible injury. If he can sustain this level we have some incredible options at centre back.

Very true. I wrongly thought despite him being a class defender he wouldn't come back as strong after his injury. Squad player at best. Not for the first time, how wrong was I. Top player. Top man.

The Emery effect
He improves players.

Great man management too. Between the Eurupean games and the league I'd say most players will be happy with their game time and feel like they're part of this journey.

Donk maybe the only one not getting enough game time, but he's played his part too. Same for Lenglet.

[JD]

I love Diego, think he is a brilliant defender. Good to see him getting back to his best.

[PaulWinch again]

I also just love how tough he looks. He’s the sort of player you look at if you’re in the same team and it would just make you assured that he’s on your side.