Yan Diomandé has started to find his feet at Real Madrid after a difficult beginning to his first season in Spain. The 19-year-old Ivorian arrived from RB Leipzig for €140 million after recording 13 goals and 10 assists in 36 appearances last season.
His record transfer fee immediately placed him under intense scrutiny, but after starting his first four matches on the bench, Diomandé has earned consecutive La Liga starts against Rayo Vallecano and Elche and now looks increasingly dangerous on the left wing.
Diomandé also earned praise from José Mourinho after providing an assist against Elche. The coach highlighted the winger’s physical progress, work ethic and intelligence, while Diomandé continues to compete for minutes in a squad packed with attacking talent. With Rodrygo expected to return and Vinicius Junior facing criticism from the Spanish press, the Ivorian still has plenty to prove before securing a regular starting role.
Kylian Mbappé, however, has no doubts about Diomandé’s potential. Speaking to AS, the French forward stressed that the youngster needs time to develop within the team while insisting that his talent became obvious from his first day at Valdebebas. “He is young—19 years old—but the quality is certainly there. You can see it, and he has already proven he has real assets,” Mbappé said. He also defended the winger against the pressure surrounding his €140 million price tag and stressed that Real Madrid will need every member of the squad during a long season.
