Brahim Diaz and La Liga’s overlooked stars face a fight for their futures

Several high-profile players at the three clubs currently leading La Liga are struggling for regular first-team football, with Alejandro Balde, Brahim Diaz, Endrick and Rodrigo Mendoza among those waiting for opportunities that have been limited this season.

Their lack of minutes has raised the question of how long each will accept their current situation, particularly with the winter transfer window approaching.

Balde’s Barcelona role reduced

Alejandro Balde’s standing at Barcelona has changed significantly. Once viewed as the long-term solution at left-back, the Spain international’s pace, skill and attacking ability have not been enough to secure a regular place in Hansi Flick’s side.

Balde has played only 100 minutes in La Liga this season. His longest appearance came in the Clasico, when he came on for about an hour after Espar was injured.

His prospects have also been complicated by Barcelona’s options across both full-back positions. On the right, Eric Garcia has become the first choice in the absence of Kounde, with Farinas now the next alternative.

At left-back, Balde is behind the injured Espar, while Cancelo’s ability to operate on either flank has strengthened his position. Gerard Martin is another option, and Flick has also criticised Balde’s performances publicly.

Balde chose to remain at Barcelona during the summer despite his reduced role, but the approach of the January transfer window could lead to a reassessment of his position.

Competition limits Diaz and Endrick

Brahim Diaz has made only 149 minutes of league football for Real Madrid, a total well below what was expected at the beginning of the campaign.

Jose Mourinho has not yet seen enough from Diaz to alter his selection plans. The competition for the attacking midfield position includes Jude Bellingham and Arda Guler, while his prospects are not significantly better when he is used closer to the wing.

Diaz has not been completely frozen out and remains part of Mourinho’s plans, but a continuation of his current role could prompt renewed discussion about his future.

Endrick has played even less, with only 84 minutes in La Liga, leaving him in a position similar to the one he experienced last season.

The Brazil forward does, however, have the benefit of strong performances in several Champions League matches. Used towards the right, he played an important part in his side’s comeback against Roma and made a clear contribution in the most recent match against Athens.

His spell with Lyon last season gave him the chance to demonstrate his quality and helped earn a call-up from Carlo Ancelotti for the previous World Cup. Several clubs are therefore expected to monitor his situation in the coming weeks.

Mendoza yet to convince Simeone

At Atletico Madrid, Rodrigo Mendoza has also struggled to establish himself after the club signed the Elche midfielder in the previous winter transfer window for 16 million euros, with additional clauses potentially increasing the fee by a further four million euros.

Mendoza is technically gifted and an Spain Under-21 international who had earned the trust of Eder Sarabia. He has yet to win over Diego Simeone, though, and has played only 144 minutes this season.

That figure is particularly limited given injuries to several Atletico midfielders, including Koke, Barrios and Cardoso. Mendoza will wait to see whether his opportunities improve, although Simeone appears to favour different types of midfielder.

With the winter window nearing, Mendoza could also attract interest from clubs seeking a player capable of offering greater quality and more minutes. The changing demands of the season mean it remains difficult to predict which of these players will lose patience first.