Former Real Madrid Player Says Vinicius-Diomande Competition Is Healthy

Vinicius Jr.'s absence, without a doubt, has made Yan Diomande acquire an increasingly important prominence at Real Madrid. The recent starts have made the fanbase love him more and more and, to a certain extent, begin to "forget" the Brazilian. That is why Vini's return is beginning to generate doubts among Madridistas about how Jose Mourinho will handle this in his scheme.

Alvaro Benito, a Real Madrid player from 1995 to 2002, analyzed this situation on Cadena SER. The former footballer said: "The path has already been found, and now we will see when Vinicius arrives," and that Madrid "gives the sensation of a team that it had not given until now." In addition, the ex-Merengue continued naming the virtues the team shows now with Mourinho in charge.

"They put people in a better position; it gets solved, and that is even though Valverde was not there, because I believe Valverde, from fullback, also offers you, obviously, a great foot in short passing, long passing, and in driving, when it comes to getting out of pressure. I believe Bernardo Silva gives them what the other central midfielders did not have when they played, which is that pause, being able to turn, feint, and get out of pressure the same way. And the team works, which for me is the most important thing," he added.

In addition, he underlined one of the qualities that have made the Merengue team so dangerous. "Real Madrid, if it is capable of stealing and running, is a fearsome team because of the characteristics it has. If it attacks fast, steals, and is united, Real Madrid can aspire to anything." And finally, he addressed the topic that is on many fans' lips. Will Mourinho change his scheme with Vinicius' return?

"The simple thing would be for Vinicius to join the wagon. There is no complexity. What is Vinicius? A great player. What is the problem Vinicius has? That in the defensive phase, he disengages for most of the match. Keeping Vinicius with Yan Diomande? Either keeping or alternating, there are matches for everyone... and then see who earns it, in a competition on equal terms," he questioned and answered.

"A competition on equal terms, I mean, in the sense of, hey, everyone complies with the defensive obligations, which would be the logical thing, and now see who is the one who offers me the best performances at the level of play, of imbalance. But obviously he has found the team. I had not had this sensation that things work for a long time," he admitted.

Mourinho himself has publicly mentioned being grateful to be able to count on such a vast squad. The same one that allows him to have top-level sparks off the bench or to be able to rotate players without losing quality.

The same thing happens with Diomande and Vinicius, since, despite the fact that the Brazilian is not at his best, he is an elite player who has led the team to win two Champions Leagues. For his part, the Ivorian seems to be completely focused and is beginning to score goals in every match. What better for the coach?