With the new season just around the corner and the pre-season campaign finally over, Real Madrid have started preparing for the season opener against Espanyol.
Youngsters like Alex Ciria and Mario Rivas have already impressed, it is imperative that Real Madrid’s new signings also make an immediate impact, if the club are to challenge Barcelona this season.
Thankfully for Los Blancos, it appears big-name signing Yan Diomande is already making his presence felt in the Real Madrid camp.
Diomande earning plaudits in Real Madrid camp
According to The Athletic, people in the Real Madrid camp are raving about Diomande and the impact he has made so far.
All eyes on Diomande for the season opener. (Photo courtesy: Real Madrid official website)
The explosive forward made a promising, if understated, debut in the friendly win over Schalke, coming on in the 60th minute for Brahim Diaz.
The Ivorian, who became Real Madrid’s most expensive signing ever at €125 million, plus add-ons, is still working his way to full fitness having only recently linked up with the squad after an illness disrupted his final weeks at RB Leipzig, adds AS.
While his attacking output was modest, it was his defensive contribution that stood out. In just half an hour, the 19-year-old registered five recoveries, a remarkable number for a forward, and won four of his six duels.
He also completed all nine of his passes and showed a glimpse of his quality, winning the ball back before setting up Vinicius Jr one-on-one in the move that led to a penalty that was not given.
Diomande’s potential role this season
It will be interesting to see how Mourinho utilises Diomande. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)
Diomande’s ability to defend from the front could prove invaluable to Mourinho, addressing an issue that plagued Real Madrid last season, when their star forwards too often neglected their defensive duties.
The teenager is expected to operate on the right wing in Mourinho’s 4-2-3-1, though opinions vary on his best position, with some believing he is equally dangerous on the left.
Either way, he offers pace, directness and a hard-working profile that fits the counter-attacking style Mourinho appears to be building.
His official debut is likely to come against Espanyol on Saturday, by which point he should be considerably sharper.
Once fully fit, Diomande could quickly become a key weapon in Real Madrid’s attack, balancing flair with the defensive discipline the coach demands. Mourinho already has long-term plans for the Ivorian.