RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesReal Madrid are preparing to break the bank to sign talented RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande this summer to add to their attacking firepower.
With Rodrygo currently out with an ACL injury and Vinicius Junior’s contractual situation at the club far from clear, the club needed to act quickly to find a superstar to partner Kylian Mbappe.
The Ivory Coast winger has been identified as the perfect player to lead Madrid’s front line alongside the Frenchman.
Los Blancos are closing in on a mammoth €132 million deal with the Bundesliga club to bring the 19-year-old to the Santiago Bernabeu.
An endorsement from his former captain
Gonzalez backs Diomande to succeed at Real Madrid. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
Former Leganes captain Sergio Gonzalez has provided a glowing endorsement for the Madrid-bound winger.
Speaking to AS , Gonzalez, who shared a dressing room with Diomande during the Ivorian’s breakthrough at Leganes, described the youngster as one of the most naturally gifted players he has encountered.
Gonzalez recalled the first time Diomande trained with the senior squad, admitting the winger made an immediate impression.
“We couldn’t believe how good he was. From the first touch, you could see he was different. We looked at each other asking where he had come from,” he said.
The former defender said Diomande tormented the first team in a training match despite playing for the reserves.
“He drove us crazy down the left wing. I’d never seen a youth player put on a display like that,” Gonzalez recalled.
A complete player who is difficult to compare
Asked what stood out most about Diomande, Gonzalez struggled to identify just one quality.
“Everything. His level was exceptional. He was fast, powerful, could go both ways, linked play well, constantly took players on and struck the ball well,” he recalled.
The Spaniard also revealed that it was difficult to compare his playing style to one player.
“It’s difficult to compare him to anyone because he doesn’t excel in just one aspect. He’s technically brilliant, understands the game, combines well, makes excellent runs, is outstanding in one-on-one situations and attacks space. He’s a complete player,” the 34-year-old said.
A humble player with a fearless personality
Gonzalez said it became clear almost immediately that Diomande was no ordinary youngster.
“When he started training with us, we realised that performance in the training match wasn’t a coincidence. That was simply his level. You could tell he was exceptionally gifted,” he said.
The former Leganes captain also revealed that he tried to help the teenager adapt to professional football after his arrival.
“I tried to stay close to him and help him, especially to make him understand what professional football was because he had no idea. We spoke about schedules, nutrition, rest, gym work and the need to dedicate yourself 100%, not just during training,” Gonzalez explained.
Off the pitch, Gonzalez described Diomande as a humble character despite his fearless personality on the field.
“He has a very striking contrast because he’s shy off the pitch but fearless on it. He listened, he was polite and what really stood out to me was his humility. He’s a great kid,” the 34-year-old said.
Diomande’s rapid rise in Germany
Reflecting on Diomande’s rapid rise since leaving Leganes, Gonzalez admitted he was not surprised to see Europe’s biggest clubs battling for his signature.
“What he’s done isn’t normal. He’s produced elite numbers in a very demanding league. He’s shown that he doesn’t just have a future, he already has a present. It doesn’t surprise me that Europe’s biggest clubs have fought over him,” he said.
Gonzalez also highlighted the winger’s versatility, believing it is one of the qualities that makes him such a special talent.
“He’s very good with both feet, although he likes to start on the left before cutting inside onto his right foot. But he can also go down the outside because he’s so powerful. I’ve seen him play on the right in Germany and at the World Cup too.
“ He’s excellent on both sides. He’s a complete player and he’s destined to conquer the world,” he explained.
Asked whether Diomande is ready for Real Madrid, Gonzalez left little room for doubt.
“I think he can do it. It could even help him not being the main star straight away because he’ll be able to develop without all the attention.
“ He shouldn’t have too much pressure at first, but little by little he’ll take on more responsibility. In terms of talent, he can play for Real Madrid perfectly,” he said.
Does Diomande have what it takes? (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)
Reaching the Lamine Yamal level
The boldest claim came when Gonzalez was asked whether Diomande could eventually reach the level of Lamine Yamal.
“Honestly, yes. It may sound crazy, but looking at his development, I see him at that level,” Gonzalez claimed.
He also went on to explain what he thinks Diomande has to do to get to that level.
“Lamine has had more continuity and has been proving it for longer, but if Yan gets the same opportunity, I think he can reach his level and even surpass him.
“ He’s exceptionally gifted. His potential is enormous. My only big question mark is how he’ll mentally handle the pressure,” he concluded.
Madrid’s leap of faith
Comparisons with Lamine Yamal inevitably raise expectations, and Diomande will have to prove himself over several seasons before such claims can be judged fairly.
However, it is fair to say that Madrid have seen something very special in the teenager to shell out the kind of money it is taking to bring him here.
The important thing with Diomande is giving him time to adapt. Although he has played in this league before, playing for Madrid is a whole other ball game.
The club and fans should be careful not to place undue pressure on him early on despite the price tag, and they could reap the benefits in the long run.
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