Diomande’s €30m rise brings him within reach of Vinicius Junior

Wilfried Diomande has seen his market value rise by €30m in the latest assessment by Transfermarkt, moving from €90m to €120m and placing the Real Madrid winger just behind Vinicius Junior among La Liga’s most valuable players.

The Ivory Coast international returned from the international break with his reputation enhanced, despite not scoring. Wearing the number 10 shirt for his country, Diomande played a decisive role in victories over Ghana and Somalia in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying.

He was then introduced as a substitute against Cameroon and produced an outstanding second-half display, although the Elephants lost 1-0.

That form, combined with his early performances for Real Madrid, has helped produce the biggest increase in market value among all players in the Spanish top flight.

Diomande’s rise is greater than that of his Real Madrid team-mate Esbi, whose valuation doubled from €20m to €40m, and Barcelona player Espart, who climbed from €5m to €25m.

The 120m-euro valuation makes Diomande the sixth-most valuable player in La Liga. He is directly behind Vinicius Junior, whose value has fallen to €130m.

A new position brings a breakthrough

Diomande has also begun to show his qualities from a different position. While the right wing had previously been his preferred role, he started on the left against Atletico Madrid and produced his most impressive spell in a Real Madrid shirt so far.

Although Real Madrid found few positives in the match overall, Diomande remained a significant threat during the closing stages. He completed four of six attempted dribbles – the same combined total achieved by Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius – and recorded a passing accuracy of 90%.

He also won nine of his 12 individual duels. The winger appeared more comfortable and expressive on the left, the position in which he has excelled for Ivory Coast, offering the first clear indication that he can become a decisive player for Real Madrid as well.

The sample remains small. Diomande has played only 292 minutes and has started just twice, against Rayo Vallecano and Elche. Manager Jose Mourinho, however, views him as a future star rather than simply the club’s record signing.

Mourinho is choosing to give him time and experience instead of placing the burden of the €125m transfer fee on his shoulders. Diomande has produced only one assist so far, but his progress is being managed gradually without restricting his development.

Data from BeSoccer Pro shows stronger underlying numbers. Per 90 minutes, he has recorded 0.28 assists, 4.84 successful dribbles, 3.13 fouls won, 1.42 successful crosses, 8.83 attacking duels won and 3.7 defensive duels won.

Those figures are above the average recorded by the five best wingers in La Liga, suggesting Diomande is beginning to reproduce the form that made him the Bundesliga’s best young player last season.

Todd Eason, who discovered Diomande in Florida, told AS that the player’s character has also aided his progress. He said Diomande had always preferred involving team-mates and helping them perform better, while raising his own level when facing stronger opposition.

The Ivory Coast winger’s long-awaited breakthrough at Real Madrid now appears to be approaching, with patience required but no reason for his development to slow.