Real Madrid want Mourinho to increase summer signing’s playing time – report

Real Madrid want Mourinho to increase summer signing’s playing time – report Real Madrid have asked Jose Mourinho to increase Yan Diomande’s playing time, with the club keen to see more of its record signing after a limited start to life in the first team, reports Jorge Picon (h/t Madrid Zone ).  Diomande has featured for just 292 minutes this season, starting only two matches.  Despite his enormous transfer fee, Mourinho has been reluctant to rush the 19-year-old into a regular role, preferring to manage his development carefully. However, recent performances are making that approach harder to maintain. Diomande is a genuine alternative to Vinicius Diomande’s displays against Elche and Atletico Madrid have strengthened his case for a more prominent role on Real Madrid’s left flank.  His performance against Atletico was particularly notable, as Mourinho withdrew Vinicius soon after half-time and introduced the Ivorian in his place. Real Madrid want to see more of Diomande. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images) Diomande made an immediate impact. He completed four of six dribbles, matching the combined successful-dribble tally of Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius, while recording a 90% pass completion rate.  He also won nine of his 12 duels, demonstrating the directness and intensity that unsettled Atletico’s defence. Those numbers point to more than an encouraging cameo, as Diomande offered Real Madrid a different attacking option, carrying the ball past opponents and competing aggressively in one-on-one situations. With Vinicius struggling to find consistent form, the teenager has given Mourinho another reason to reconsider his selection on the left wing. Real Madrid want more minutes The club’s message to Mourinho shows a growing desire to see its investment translated into a bigger role on the pitch.  Diomande’s recent performances, even for the national team , suggest he can contribute now, rather than remaining a prospect whose opportunities are restricted to brief appearances. Diomande’s performance against Atletico Madrid was superb. (Photo by Mateo Villalba Sanchez/Getty Images) Nevertheless, there is a distinction between earning more minutes and immediately becoming a guaranteed starter.  Gradual integration is the key At 19, Diomande still needs time to adjust to the demands of playing for Real Madrid, where the pressure attached to a record transfer fee can be considerable. Mourinho’s cautious approach is therefore understandable. So now, the challenge is finding the right balance between protecting a young player’s development and giving him enough opportunities to fulfil his potential. Notably, Real Madrid do not necessarily need to choose between backing Vinicius and developing Diomande.  However, if the teenager continues producing performances like the one against Atletico, Mourinho will have a stronger case for rotating the Brazilian more regularly.