Luis Figo sends Real Madrid fans message over Yan Diomande: ‘It’s normal’
There was yet another change on the Real Madrid bench following the end of the last season, as the Merengues appointed Jose Mourinho as their new head-coach. The Portuguese manager has had quite a mixed start to the new season, with Los Blancos winning six of the eight games played so far.
However, even after these first eight games, there are some doubts about his starting lineup. This is particularly the case with the forward line, which, despite the abundance of talent, is not performing at an optimal level.
One of the major selection headaches for Mourinho for this area of the team is Yan Diomande, who became the most expensive signing in the club’s history, but who has had rather a slow start to life at Real Madrid. However, lately, he has been gaining in prominence, and impressed particularly in the games against Elche and Atletico Madrid.
Following these performances, an increasing part of the fans is demanding for his inclusion in the starting lineup, at the expense of Vinicius. However, as Mundo Deportivo has reported, the former Merengue forward Luis Figo was clear that the Ivorian should be given more time to adapt to the new club before getting such a big responsibility:
“It’s normal for him to progress gradually. There is a certain adaptation period. It’s just not the same playing for Real Madrid as it is for another team… But he is already adapting to what Real Madrid is all about. And he is improving. I think he will contribute more in the coming matches and gradually become more important.”
Bernardo Silva is another new signing who will have to fight for a place in the starting lineup, and the former Portuguese winger was clear that his compatriot will be able to contribute a lot to the team:
“Bernardo has a lot of technical quality. If Mourinho decides to give him more minutes, he will surely contribute that quality. He can add quality in the build-up, which is one of his strengths.”
Talking about the Ballon d’Or, Figo highlighted several players who can win it this year:
“In my opinion, there are three or four favourites to win the Ballon d’Or. Some Spaniards because they won the World Cup, such as Lamine Yamal or Rodri, although Rodri didn’t play much last season because of his injury… Mbappé and Messi also performed very well. For me, there are three or four candidates… well… perhaps a few more.”
“You could also mention a player from Paris Saint-Germain because they won the Champions League. Dembélé, for example, could also be among the favourites. And I can’t forget Olise or Kane, who also had a fantastic season. This year, it’s true that there are many contenders.”
Having played at the highest level for several years, Luis Figo understands perfectly how difficult it could be for some players to maintain their level in as high-pressure a club as Real Madrid. Thus, his words about Yan Diomande would be quite reassuring for Merengue fans, and hopefully, the young winger will actually be able to continue playing and impressing as time goes by.
