Real Madrid summer arrival set to compete with megastar for starting spot

Real Madrid summer arrival set to compete with megastar for starting spot It has not been the easiest of starts for Yan Diomande at Real Madrid. Signed from RB Leipzig in a club-record deal worth €140 million, including add-ons, the Ivory Coast international has been eased into action by Jose Mourinho. The 19-year-old winger had been drip-fed minutes until last week when he started back-to-back games against Rayo Vallecano and Elche, before dropping to the bench for the derby. But, having impressed against Elche, the former RB Leipzig winger once again made a strong impact during his spell on the pitch against Atletico Madrid. As such, AS reports that Diomande will directly compete with an out-of-sorts Vinicius Jr. for a starting spot in the Real Madrid lineup after the international break. Diomande makes an immediate impact Despite the difficult circumstances facing Real Madrid after Dean Huijsen was sent off, Diomande was one of the team’s most positive performers in the second half. After Real Madrid were reduced to 10 men and Atletico scored the opening goal, Mourinho turned to his bench and replaced Vinicius with Diomande. Making a push for a start. (Photo by Mateo Villalba Sanchez/Getty Images) Five minutes after the Ivorian came on, the Merengues conceded a second goal, leaving them with a mountain to climb. Diomande, however, continued to attack. He immediately took up a position on the right flank, where he provided a threat that Real Madrid had struggled to find earlier in the match, although he was guilty of missing a chance. His numbers were particularly impressive. Diomande completed four of six dribbles, recorded 90% passing accuracy and won nine of 12 duels during his 36 minutes on the pitch. Most strikingly, he completed as many dribbles as Vinicius and Kylian Mbappe combined throughout the entire match, despite playing with Real Madrid down to 10 men. Vinicius substituted before the hour Diomande’s introduction also led to an unusual decision from Mourinho. Vinicius was substituted in the 54th minute, before the hour mark, something that has rarely happened in recent times. The Brazilian accepted the decision, greeting Mourinho and the coaching staff before taking his place on the bench. After the final whistle, he headed straight towards the dressing room, bringing an end to another difficult outing in which he again struggled to reach his best level. Vinicius is struggling. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images) Diomande’s emergence creates a significant selection dilemma for Mourinho . The Ivorian is increasingly competing with one of the most established players in Real Madrid’s recent history, while his performances against Elche and Atletico have demonstrated that he is ready for a bigger role. That could make the situation even more complicated, given Vinicius’ poor form. Once the international break is over and Madrid begin preparing for their match against Villarreal, Mourinho will have to make a decision over his attacking setup. The question will be whether to continue with an established figure such as Vinicius or give the club’s record signing, Diomande, an extended opportunity to establish himself in the starting XI.