Yan Diomandé receives a strong message from José Mourinho following his first start in La Liga

In his first start since joining Real Madrid this summer, Yan Diomandé clearly impressed his manager.

Starting on Saturday against Rayo Vallecano at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, the Ivorian winger confirmed his impressive potential. Asked about Diomandé after Real Madrid’s 4-1 victory, Mourinho expressed his enthusiasm. He also emphasised the room for improvement the 19-year-old Ivorian has.

“He has a lot to learn tactically. I see it most clearly in training – his incredible potential in one-on-one situations, with crosses and with shots. He’s a strong player.

I want to develop the young Diomandé because I already know what the rest of the players can offer.

He’s making progress. He has very little experience in top-flight European football, which he gained almost entirely last season with Leipzig, and very little else.”

The Portuguese manager also highlighted the versatility that Yan Diomandé brings to Real Madrid’s tactical set-up.

“His presence gives us plenty of options. He can play in Vinícius’s position, or on the right wing, and Arda can play on the right, or in Jude Bellingham’s position.”