Diomande form puts pressure on Mourinho over Vinicius return

Yann Diomande’s recent performances for Real Madrid have created a difficult selection question for manager Jose Mourinho, with Vinicius Junior nearing a return from his La Liga suspension.

According to Defensa Central, the Ivory Coast international has filled the gap left by his team-mate and has produced numbers that have placed Vinicius in an uncomfortable position before he becomes available again.

Diomande completed six successful dribbles in Real Madrid’s match against Valencia alone. Vinicius, by comparison, managed four successful dribbles across his appearances against AEK Athens, Leipzig, Roma, Villarreal, Atletico Madrid, Elche and Rayo Vallecano.

The contrast has increased the focus on how Mourinho will use both players once Vinicius can play in La Liga. The Portuguese manager was repeatedly asked about that issue during the news conference before Real Madrid’s meeting with Valencia at Mestalla.

“For me, the absolute priority is the team,” Mourinho told the media. “I will never, deliberately, make a decision that could harm the group for the benefit of one particular player.”

He added: “In the Champions League, this question could have been raised, but when Vinicius becomes available, I will deal with the situation accordingly.”

Mourinho also stressed that his players must concentrate on the match immediately in front of them, even though his own responsibilities require him to consider the wider schedule.

“I want the players to approach every match focused on the present, although, as a coach, I must have a different vision,” he said.

“My responsibility is to assess the sequence of commitments and matches waiting for us. The game against AEK Athens was a good opportunity for Vinicius, as well as to give Guler some rest.”

Real Madrid’s schedule includes a Copa del Rey fixture against Tavernes de la Valldigna on 10 November 2026. The club are then due to face Valencia in La Liga on 21 November 2026, before playing Celta Vigo.

Diomande’s emergence has therefore given Mourinho an alternative on the flank while Vinicius serves his suspension. However, the manager has made clear that any decision on the Brazilian’s return will be based on what he considers best for Real Madrid, rather than on an obligation to accommodate an individual player.