Mourinho backs £120M signing Diomande after slow Real Madrid start

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has defended Yan Diomande after the teenager endured a slow start following his £120M move to the club.

Los Blancos announced the Ivory Coast international's arrival last month, having signed the winger from RB Leipzig after he had been pursued by Liverpool. The deal was worth around £120M.

Diomande, who turns 20 in November, established himself last season by scoring 12 goals and providing nine assists in 33 Bundesliga appearances for RB Leipzig.

However, he had to wait until Saturday afternoon for his first start under Mourinho. He played 72 minutes in Real Madrid's 4-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano but failed to score or provide an assist.

That lack of an immediate attacking contribution has frustrated supporters who are expecting the expensive signing to make an impact in front of goal. Mourinho, however, has urged patience as pressure begins to build around the young winger.

"Diomande is improving progressively. He hasn't been involved in top-level European football very long. He's had the last season at Leipzig and not much more," Mourinho said.

"He has a lot to learn from a tactical point of view. But you can see he has incredible potential in one-on-ones, his crossing, and his shooting.

"He's a very strong player who gives us a lot of options. He can play in Vinicius Junior's position, or on the right ... I want to see Diomande evolve, because I know what the other players can give me."

Mourinho later added: "Diomande is working hard to improve and has great potential."

The manager's comments underline his belief that Diomande can develop into an important option across Real Madrid's attack, rather than being judged solely on his early goals and assists.

The winger is competing with Vinicius Junior, Brahim Diaz and Arda Guler for a place on either flank. Mourinho has so far remained patient with Diomande while his team continue to collect victories.