The 19-year-old winger continues to shine with Real Madrid and has already won everyone over in the Spanish capital.

“He’s a special player, and we’re very lucky to have him.” Jude Bellingham’s words after Real Madrid’s 3-0 victory over Racing Santander on Sunday afternoon perfectly sum up what many Madrid fans are thinking right now. While the transfer fee of around €140 million surprised many this summer, the doubts have already been dispelled, and even those who were the most skeptical a few months ago are now under the spell of the Ivorian winger. It must be said that this weekend he scored another stunning goal, and he’s on a particularly prolific run, with 4 goals and 3 assists in his last 6 appearances.

It must also be said that the somewhat shy and timid Yan Diomandé of the first few weeks of the competition has quickly disappeared. Now, we see a confident, self-assured player who isn't afraid to take the initiative. Above all, he has a profile that Madrid fans adore, and that they weren't necessarily used to seeing anymore: a flashy, skillful dribbler capable of making a difference with the ball at his feet. This is what allowed Vinicius Jr. to become a Bernabéu favorite, and this version of the Brazilian is sorely missed by Los Blancos. Diomandé perfectly embodies this type of player who makes entire stands hold their breath as soon as the ball passes through his feet, before having everyone on their feet with a beautiful dribble or a goal.

Did Vinicius Jr. die in the film?

His playing style generates a contagious enthusiasm, not only from the spectators but also from his teammates. From a purely footballing perspective, he seems to have a great understanding with the players around him, including Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé. He also appears very involved in defensive duties, which is a major plus in José Mourinho's eyes. And naturally, the question on everyone's mind is: who will start once Vinicius Jr.'s suspension is lifted? If you ask the Madrid public, the choice is obvious. "Now how do you justify to the fans starting Vinicius Jr. when he returns?" asked journalist Manolo Lama on Cadena COPE, clearly explaining that in Madrid, everyone is pro-Diomandé.

It must be said that in Madrid, no one expected Diomandé to perform so well so quickly. Many envisioned a first season of adaptation, in an attacking substitute role, and the question of his place in the starting eleven wasn't really on the agenda. José Mourinho still has faith in Vinicius Jr. – at least that's what he says publicly – but in addition to Diomandé's level of play, the Brazilian could also be a victim of the positive momentum that has developed within the team without him. A complex situation for the Special One to manage, who will have to complete a complex puzzle so that everyone gets playing time. The possibility of moving Arda Güler back into midfield and giving Diomandé the right wing, leaving Vinicius Jr. on the left, has been mentioned by some media outlets, for example. The first indication of the answer will come against AEK Athens on Wednesday in the Champions League…