Diomande’s rise gives Mourinho a major Vinicius selection dilemma at Real Madrid

Diomande’s outstanding dribbling form has intensified the competition for Real Madrid’s left wing, with the Ivorian now ahead of Vinicius Junior for minutes this season and challenging Lamine Yamal for the title of La Liga’s most successful dribbler.

The Real Madrid winger has completed 43 dribbles in the league, a total surpassed only by Barcelona’s Yamal, who has managed 57. Diomande has been more efficient, however, succeeding with a dribble every 20 minutes compared with one every 23 minutes for Yamal.

Spanish newspaper AS described the way the 25-year-old repeatedly takes on defenders.

“Diomande puts a player in front of him and gets past him easily, time and again, whether from the middle or down the wings, changing the direction of the ball and accelerating,” it reported.

His six successful dribbles in the latest match were the third-best total of his season and his highest away from Santiago Bernabeu in La Liga. For Jose Mourinho, signing Diomande increasingly looks like winning a major lottery prize, with the player showing at Mestalla that he has become an exceptionally valuable asset.

“Finding a winger with speed, power and the ability to play on both sides is not easy. It is extremely difficult,” Mourinho said shortly after Diomande joined the club.

The Ivorian has become Real Madrid’s most successful individual dribbler. When Champions League matches are included, only Kylian Mbappe is ahead of him, with 53 completed dribbles compared with Diomande’s 52.

That narrow gap is significant because Mbappe has played 541 more minutes than Diomande. The Real Madrid winger has also continued to perform despite a series of heavy challenges from opponents.

During the recent matches, he was particularly affected by Joao Cancelo’s challenge in the clasico, a powerful blow from Mantilla at El Sardinero which led Real Madrid to appeal for a penalty, and a strong tackle by Guido Rodriguez in last Saturday’s match in Valencia.

His pace, skill and ability to withstand physical challenges have impressed the Real Madrid dressing room. His finishing has also drawn attention, including from Jude Bellingham, who praised him after his excellent goal in Santander.

“I did not know he could strike the ball like that… he is an exceptional player,” Bellingham said.

Bellingham is not the only team-mate to have been impressed, with Diomande also appearing to have developed a clear understanding with Mbappe.

Vinicius faces a fresh challenge

Diomande’s goals and impressive performances, which have at times reached an exceptional level, have come as Vinicius’ form has declined. The contrast between their progress is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.

Although symbolic, Diomande has already played more minutes than the Brazilian this season: 892 compared with 882.

Both players have started eight matches as a right winger and eight as a left winger. On the left, Diomande has scored three goals and provided one assist, while he has scored once and supplied one assist on the right.

The international break has delayed the decision over who will occupy the left side when Real Madrid host Celta Vigo at Santiago Bernabeu on 21 November 2026. Vinicius will be available again after completing his suspension, while Diomande’s form has strengthened his case.

Mourinho is offering no guarantees over any player’s position.

“When Vini returns to his normal level and becomes available, I will deal with the situation according to what I consider appropriate,” he said.

Barcelona host Villarreal in La Liga on 22 November 2026.