Real Madrid’s left flank gives Jose Mourinho a fresh selection dilemma

Spanish journalist Dani Garrido believes the partnership between Marc Cucurella and Yan Diomande has transformed Real Madrid’s left side and says Vinicius should not automatically return to the starting XI when he is available again.

Garrido praised the understanding between Cucurella and the Ivorian forward after Real Madrid’s 3-0 victory over Racing Santander on Sunday. The result was secured in the first half, with Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham scoring before Diomande completed the victory.

Speaking on Carrusel Deportivo on Cadena SER, Garrido said Diomande’s movement had given Cucurella greater freedom to contribute in attack while also reducing the defensive problems the Spain international had previously faced.

“Diomande understands Cucurella incredibly well. What a left side Real Madrid have when the two of them play together,” Garrido said.

“When Vinicius plays, Cucurella is less effective going forward and struggles more defensively.”

Garrido went further by suggesting that Vinicius should have to fight for his place when he returns, rather than being restored to the team automatically.

“When Vinicius comes back, he should sit on the bench – and on a bench the size of a piano!” he said, in comments reported by Defensa Central.

The remark was intended to underline Garrido’s view that a player’s reputation should not guarantee a place in the starting line-up. He believes Jose Mourinho should retain the players who have demonstrated that they are working effectively together instead of changing the formation simply because a leading name has become available again.

For Garrido, the collective balance and the quality of the team’s performances should be decisive when Mourinho makes his selection decisions. The emerging combination of Cucurella and Diomande has therefore created a significant choice for the manager on the left flank.

Garrido backs Mourinho’s progress

Garrido also highlighted the improvement in Real Madrid’s performances since Mourinho took charge, although he admitted he was unsure what had happened in Rome.

“I do not know what happened in Rome, but Mourinho has found a way and continued to develop it, and it can bring him good results,” he said.

The journalist also defended Bellingham and agreed with Mourinho’s assessment that the England midfielder has not received the recognition he deserves in the Ballon d’Or race.

Garrido said Bellingham should be considered among the five best players in the world when he is performing at his highest level. His comments came after the midfielder scored in the win over Racing Santander, as Real Madrid ended the match having completed all three goals before half-time.