Brahim Diaz faces another Real Madrid battle as Mourinho values his versatility

A Spanish newspaper has praised Brahim Diaz’s resilience at Real Madrid and revealed that Jose Mourinho does not want the Morocco international to leave, despite intense competition for places in the squad.

“Arrive, accept, fight, then rise again. That is how it goes every summer. It is Brahim Diaz’s routine, season after season,” wrote AS. “It is a routine that creates a situation in which the competition becomes increasingly fierce. But this does not drain his energy; instead, it allows him to approach every new beginning calmly, one day at a time.”

The report said Diaz is once again seeking to win or reclaim a role that would make him a regular starter. That process began again on his return to Valdebebas, 25 days after Morocco’s 2-0 defeat by France in the World Cup semi-final.

It was also the day Vinicius returned, amid a sense of anticipation, while Bernardo Silva made his first appearance. Diaz was involved too, on a significant personal occasion as he celebrated his 27th birthday.

His day began with a medical examination at a Sanitas medical centre, only a few minutes from Real Madrid’s training complex, before he moved on to the pitch for another version of a routine that has become familiar.

“ He joined training without arrogance, but with confidence,” AS reported. “A confidence that comes from belief in himself and from the faith placed in him by others.”

That backing includes the club. According to the newspaper, Real Madrid reached an agreement with Diaz last season, at the beginning of Xabi Alonso’s tenure, to extend his contract until at least 2030. The formal announcement is still the only step needed to complete the unofficial agreement.

The report added that persistent speculation over a possible move had not changed that feeling. Juventus were among the clubs linked with Diaz, while other sides were also said to be interested, but discussions never progressed because neither party wanted them to.

Diaz’s departure was not considered when Mourinho arrived either. On the contrary, the Portuguese manager regards him as an extremely valuable addition. The report said Diaz fits Mourinho’s footballing philosophy because of his versatility and his willingness to make sacrifices, qualities the coach considers particularly important.

Competition for places remains fierce. Bernardo Silva is part of the equation and Diomande is expected to join soon, but Mourinho is counting on Diaz because he can contribute in several positions. He can operate centrally as a playmaker or play on the wing.

In fact, Mourinho compares Diaz with Bernardo Silva in terms of their positioning and their potential to develop within the team. Diaz can also play as a second striker, a role in which he enjoyed considerable success last season.

That success came under Alvaro Arbeloa, following a period when Diaz had been relatively marginalised on the substitutes’ bench. He subsequently recovered an important role in the side.

Diaz did not give up when opportunities appeared to be out of reach. After starting only four matches in a 194-day period, he was named in the starting XI for six consecutive games across just 29 days between March and April.

During that spell, even without Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid produced their strongest period of a season that soon changed dramatically.

It was the latest example of the relentless effort from a player accustomed to challenging the odds and competing for his place. That determination helped him convince Carlo Ancelotti and now presents him with another challenge: new signings have arrived, but Diaz remains as determined as ever.