Real Madrid News
Real Madrid versatile attacker makes strong case for key role under Mourinho
Brahim Diaz returned to Valdebebas at the start of last week to work under new Real Madrid Mourinho.
He came back after an impressive World Cup, where he provided four assists in five matches, finishing as the tournament’s second-highest assist provider and one of Morocco’s standout performers.
As has been the case every summer in recent years, there were once again rumours and question marks over Brahim’s future at the Santiago Bernabeu.
But, unfazed by the speculation, as soon as the World Cup ended, the 27-year-old got to work to ensure he arrived at pre-season in the best possible physical condition.
And it has clearly paid off, with the versatile star making a strong case for a prominent role under Mourinho, reports AS.
A strong return to action
In the first friendly in which he was available, against Ferencvaros in Hungary, Brahim started on the right wing.
Just four days later, impressed by the player’s physical condition, Mourinho handed him another start at against Deportivo La Coruna. Brahim responded with a superb goal that secured Real Madrid’s tenth Teresa Herrera trophy.
His return has therefore been about more than simply getting minutes. The forward has immediately shown Mourinho that he is ready to compete for an important role.
Versatility an asset in the face of strong competition
As was the case in the previous seasons, the Moroccan international again he faces significant competition for playing time.
The arrivals of Yan Diomande and Bernardo Silva, together with the development of players such as Arda Guler and Endrick, who can also operate on the right, mean Brahim will have to fight hard for his opportunities.
Last season, he played 42 matches and accumulated 1,666 minutes. He is eager to get more playing time, and he intends to prove that to Mourinho.
A player Mourinho values
The Portuguese coach sees Brahim as a particularly valuable member of his squad. His versatility and willingness to work fit Mourinho’s footballing ideas extremely well.
He can use Brahim on either wing, or as an attacking midfielder. The latter role is one he already occupied during the periods when Jude Bellingham was recovering from his shoulder injury.
That tactical flexibility could be crucial in a squad packed with attacking options.
Brahim, for his part, is not backing down. Despite the new arrivals and increased competition, his approach remains unchanged. His performance against Deportivo was another reminder that he intends to take every opportunity Mourinho gives him.
In what will come as a pleasing development for fans, Fabrizio Romano reports that Real Madrid forward Rodrygo could make a comeback from his injury earlier than expected.
The 25-year-old Brazilian international has been out of action since March after suffering an ACL injury during a La Liga game against Getafe.
Due to the complete rupture of the ACL, coupled with associated meniscus damage, it was suggested that the attacker was staring at a lengthy time out on the sidelines and might not return until 2027.
In fact, the forward’s father, Eric Goes, recently stated in an interview that the Real Madrid ace could be back in February next year, just before the business end of the campaign.
Rodrygo could be back in December
However, as per the update from Romano, Rodrygo’s comeback could happen well before that expected date.
Indeed, if things continue to progress at the current rate, the 25-year-old attacker might return to action in December or by January 2027 at the latest.
This will come as a welcome boost for Jose Mourinho & co., considering that Rodrygo is a valuable player for the team.
Even though he had endured a tough spell prior to his form, the Brazilian’s versatility, work rate off the ball, and eye for a goal make him an asset.
Rodrygo eager to be back at his best
The update from Romano further states that Rodrygo feels very grateful to Real Madrid for all the help and support they have given him during this difficult phase of his career.
As such, the Brazilian international has made it a mission to return to action in the best shape possible and make an impact from the get-go.
The attacker has only recently begun working on the pitch with the ball indicating the significant progress he has made on the road to recovery.
And, if there are no setbacks, Real Madrid could recover one of their ace attackers before the end of the current year.
So far in his career, Rodrygo has made 297 appearances for Real Madrid, scoring 71 goals. He has a contract with the club until 2028.
