Yan Diomande makes his way... at Vinicius' expense?

Real Madrid C.F.

In his eight seasons as a Madrid player, Vinicius has become one of the club's most experienced and influential figures. From the inside, many say he is one of the most loved players by everyone, and the trust from teammates, the staff and the Bernabeu's VIP area is more than obvious. Florentino decided to renew him despite the last two years having more shadows than highlights, and Mourinho has defended him tooth and nail in every public appearance, even saying that if he were in his place, this summer he would have left the white-shirt discipline. 'He stayed because he loves Real Madrid', the Portuguese coach said.

This season, Vini is the team's second captain and has acted as such in several matches. His commitment has never been in doubt. Nor has his quality. He is a special player who has taken the Real Madrid very far. He was one of the main engines of the Madrid side that ruled Europe and the key architect of the Champions title won in Paris against Liverpool in 21/22, as well as scoring the second goal against Borussia Dortmund in London and sealing the fifteenth. 

Football is here... and now

40

Vinícius Júnior
11.760.000€?

J10

-

J9

-3

J8

3

J7

-1

J6

DL

31

63

Diomande
20.150.000€+210.000€?

J10

16

J9

12

J8

6

J7

8

J6

DL

22

But football lives on the present. But the Brazilian has spent years being involved in more controversy than the sporting feats he was used to. But his attitude is no longer the same. He no longer overflows, he no longer runs at people. Something has broken between him and the fans. There are too many 'buts' to justify his starting spot. Especially with a Diomande like the one we are seeing. The Ivorian is growing by the minute and is turning into a real alternative to Vinicius. A tough competition for the first time since he arrived in the capital in the summer of 2018. Diomande is outdoing Vinicius Jr. not only numerically and statistically- in 566 minutes Yan has scored 3 goals and provided two assists and Vini, in 800, records 1 goal and 2 assists- but he even surpasses him in one of the main virtues that has always defined the Brazilian: dribbling. The African has the edge both in attempts and in successful dribbles. 

It is a palpable reality, and perhaps the one that worries the fans and the club the most. In fact, he is at the center of the criticism. Vinicius has always stood out for trying relentlessly and ending up driving opponents crazy. Now, little of that remains. It is worrying because maybe, more than sporting reasons, it is personal or emotional ones that have dimmed the Brazilian's shine. From the club they will do and will keep doing everything possible to get him back, but matchdays go by and the team needs to add three points at a time. In La Liga and in the Champions League. And right now, it is clear that it is easier for that to happen with an XI in which Vini is not there. The Real Madrid demands are the biggest handicap he faces. Only winning matters. 

Diomande works, makes the team work, and has already connected with Mbappé

101

Mbappé
19.310.000€-10.000€?

J10

16

J9

6

J8

5

J7

15

J6

DL

29

Diomande is something like a talisman for the Real Madrid. With 25 as the starter, the Madridistas have only collected wins. At first, it seemed the price he paid to leave the RB Leipzig (it is estimated that with variables included, it was around 140 million euros) weighed on him. He arrived quietly and very gradually. In Elche he began to show, and against Villarreal he displayed his great potential for the first time. It was the turning point. Curiously, along with Fermín and Espí, he is the La Liga player who has increased his value the most in these months.

The biggest challenge is now coming. Sunday's El Clásico is an unmatched showcase. In front of him, too, will be Lamine Yamal, with whom some have compared him. Saving the distance, both point to being two world stars- Yamal already is- capable of fighting for a large share of the individual awards. Lamine has much more experience and time in the elite, but both are in two of the best places to keep growing, improving and winning, which guarantees us a high-level football battle. 

What seems most obvious is that Yan is managing to carve out his path. Maybe at Vinicius' expense, or maybe not. That is a decision left in Mourinho 's hands and his staff's, with the main judge being the pitch.

Just in case that were not enough... Endrick and Espí

4

Endrick
1.940.000€+10.000€?

J10

2

J9

-

J8

-

J7

2

J6

DL

00

29

Carlos Espí
5.350.000€+460.000€?

J10

3

J9

-

J8

-

J7

10

J6

DL

02

They are in the background, but they are there. Endrick was the MVP against the Roma and the Spaniard has saved Mourinho's side on the buzzer on three occasions so far this season. The Valencian also did it in 45 minutes. He is a living example of a player who knows how to take advantage of his opportunities and has perfectly understood what it means to wear the white club shirt. Something similar happens with the Brazilian. He has not played the minutes-107- he would like, but he is very sharp. He is a versatile player, able to perform well on the right wing as he did against the Sevilla , with the instincts and a shot of a pure center-forward. 

Mbappé is untouchable, but Carlos Espí is proving more than enough that when the Frenchman is not there, he can be the spearhead. If Diomande finally settles on the left flank, it would not be strange to see a front three made up of Endrick- Diomande- Mbappé, with the Valencian coming on along the match/ in the final minutes to replace Kylian. And even from the start when the Frenchman needs a rest. The bundle of options is wide and very attractive. The problem is that Vinicius Jr. has to work hard to be an active part of it. 

In Fantasy terms, watch out: twists are coming in the next few matchdays

The answers in the press room of José Mourinho suggest that there could be major changes when Vinicius completes his suspension. At the same time, it does not give too many clues. According to the Portuguese coach, performance is what makes anyone untouchable. Is that interpreted as a dig at the Brazilian?

'Nobody is untouchable. I do not like that concept of an untouchable player. Untouchable is only the shield'.

Until the 21st, Diomande still have several cards to play. Vinicius, only one. For now, there is calm because the Ivorian is an enormous certainty in the starting XI. Then we will see. Match by match. In any case, what happens in these weeks seems vital.