Diomande makes strong case for a starting role at Real Madrid

Yan Diomande is beginning to change minds at Real Madrid after a series of encouraging performances, with his latest cameo in the 2-1 derby defeat by Atletico putting pressure on the club’s established attacking players.

The Cote d’Ivoire international had been criticised only a few weeks ago for appearing too quiet after Real Madrid paid 125 M€ to sign him. He has since provided an assist against Elche, attracted attention by kissing the club crest and impressed again on Sunday, despite his side losing.

The 19-year-old, who became the most expensive African player in football history, replaced Vinicius Junior in the 54th minute, shortly after Dean Huijsen was sent off.

Real Madrid were already two goals down and reduced to 10 men, but Diomande offered one of their few attacking outlets. Operating from the left, he carried the ball forward, attacked the space behind Atletico’s defence and repeatedly looked to take on his marker.

He created one of Real Madrid’s best opportunities when he held off his defender before forcing a save from Jan Oblak. His contribution was enough to reignite discussion about whether he should be given a place in the starting XI.

On Cadena SER, Jesus Gallego called on Jose Mourinho to make a significant change to his team.

“One of the guys up front has to come out and Diomande has to come in,” he said, arguing that the coach needed to “do something” and should even consider “changing the system”.

The comments underline how quickly perceptions have shifted around the Ivorian. A few weeks earlier, his first start had increased doubts about whether he was adapting to life at Real Madrid. Now, it is the regular starters whose positions are beginning to come under scrutiny.

Any comparison with Vinicius Junior, however, needs to take account of the circumstances. The Brazilian played in a tightly contested match with both teams at full strength, while Diomande entered when Real Madrid had to chase the game despite being a player down.

Even so, he provided qualities his side had been lacking: spontaneity, direct running and an immediate willingness to challenge opponents. His vertical approach also contrasted with that of other attacking players who are more inclined to move inside.

Mourinho recently described Diomande as possessing “great potential”, while also pointing to his limited experience at the highest level of European football. The Portuguese coach had already publicly backed a gradual introduction for his Ivorian signing.

That approach may become harder to maintain if Diomande continues to make such an impact from the bench. Criticised at the start of the month, he has now gained support from sections of the Madrid public and media.

To genuinely alter the pecking order, though, he must reproduce that influence consistently over a longer period.