Real Madrid News
Real Madrid summer arrival set to compete with megastar for starting spot
It has not been the easiest of starts for Yan Diomande at Real Madrid. Signed from RB Leipzig in a club-record deal worth €140 million, including add-ons, the Ivory Coast international has been eased into action by Jose Mourinho.
The 19-year-old winger had been drip-fed minutes until last week when he started back-to-back games against Rayo Vallecano and Elche, before dropping to the bench for the derby.
But, having impressed against Elche, the former RB Leipzig winger once again made a strong impact during his spell on the pitch against Atletico Madrid.
As such, AS reports that Diomande will directly compete with an out-of-sorts Vinicius Jr. for a starting spot in the Real Madrid lineup after the international break.
Diomande makes an immediate impact
Despite the difficult circumstances facing Real Madrid after Dean Huijsen was sent off, Diomande was one of the team’s most positive performers in the second half.
After Real Madrid were reduced to 10 men and Atletico scored the opening goal, Mourinho turned to his bench and replaced Vinicius with Diomande.
Five minutes after the Ivorian came on, the Merengues conceded a second goal, leaving them with a mountain to climb. Diomande, however, continued to attack.
He immediately took up a position on the right flank, where he provided a threat that Real Madrid had struggled to find earlier in the match, although he was guilty of missing a chance.
His numbers were particularly impressive. Diomande completed four of six dribbles, recorded 90% passing accuracy and won nine of 12 duels during his 36 minutes on the pitch.
Most strikingly, he completed as many dribbles as Vinicius and Kylian Mbappe combined throughout the entire match, despite playing with Real Madrid down to 10 men.
Vinicius substituted before the hour
Diomande’s introduction also led to an unusual decision from Mourinho. Vinicius was substituted in the 54th minute, before the hour mark, something that has rarely happened in recent times.
The Brazilian accepted the decision, greeting Mourinho and the coaching staff before taking his place on the bench.
After the final whistle, he headed straight towards the dressing room, bringing an end to another difficult outing in which he again struggled to reach his best level.
Diomande’s emergence creates a significant selection dilemma for Mourinho.
The Ivorian is increasingly competing with one of the most established players in Real Madrid’s recent history, while his performances against Elche and Atletico have demonstrated that he is ready for a bigger role.
That could make the situation even more complicated, given Vinicius’ poor form.
Once the international break is over and Madrid begin preparing for their match against Villarreal, Mourinho will have to make a decision over his attacking setup.
The question will be whether to continue with an established figure such as Vinicius or give the club’s record signing, Diomande, an extended opportunity to establish himself in the starting XI.
Real Madrid News
Mourinho considering starting 23-year-old Real Madrid ace against Villarreal – report
After impressing during the international break, Eduardo Camavinga has a major opportunity to establish himself in Real Madrid’s midfield rotation.
Indeed, according to Defensa Central, Jose Mourinho is considering starting the Frenchman against Villarreal, with injuries and doubts over several players limiting his options.
Real Madrid cannot afford to drop points against Villarreal if they want to remain in the title race. However, Mourinho has issues to deal with in the squad, which could lead him to turn to Camavinga for a crucial role.
Camavinga could replace Tchouameni in midfield
The 23-year-old star could line up as the defensive midfielder in the double pivot, with Bernardo Silva or Arda Guler alongside him, and will be tasked with providing balance in midfield.
Real Madrid face Villarreal with several problems in central defence. Ibrahima Konate is expected to be a late call, leading Mourinho to consider moving Aurelien Tchouameni into defence alongside Antonio Rudiger.
Meanwhile, Federico Valverde could also struggle to be ready after the ankle injury he sustained in the derby before the international break.
The Uruguayan has continued to work individually away from the group and might return to group training tomorrow. Even then, his readiness to start remains in question.
That would leave a place open in midfield, with Camavinga in line to fill in.
Camavinga impressed during the international break
Camavinga has started only one match this season, the defeat against Real Betis.
Despite his limited opportunities, Mourinho is keen to bring the Frenchman back into the fold after he impressed for France during the international break.
Zinedine Zidane called the Real Madrid star up for his first France squad, and the midfielder performed well during the break.
That has given Mourinho and Real Madrid reason to be optimistic about using him against Villarreal, with the hope that he can move closer to the level he showed after first arriving at the club.
Therefore, the Villarreal match could represent an important test for Camavinga and a chance for the Frenchman to show that he can provide the balance Real Madrid need in midfield.
