Mourinho must reshuffle Real's attack as Vinicius sits out
Jose Mourinho faces a crucial test as Vinicius Jr serves a four‑match Spanish Liga suspension, leaving Real Madrid without their star winger and prompting the manager to consider Yan Diomande, Carlos Espi and Endrick for the next three league fixtures.
Recent attacking displays
Real produced a dazzling 4‑1 victory over Sevilla last weekend, deploying a new‑look front three with Kylian Mbappe leading, Endrick on the right and Yan Diomande on the left, while Jude Bellingham operated in midfield.
The following day, a 4‑1 Champions League win against RB Leipzig saw Mbappe again spearhead the attack, this time supported by Vinicius and Arda Guler before Mourinho introduced Diomande, Espi and Endrick from the bench.
Diomande entered in the 69th minute, replacing Vinicius and scoring Real's fourth with a spectacular volley, while Espi and Endrick were added in the closing stages.
Mourinho has made it clear that no player is "untouchable", insisting that performances on the pitch will decide who earns a place in the team.
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Diomande emerges as key option
Yan Diomande arrived from RB Leipzig after an impressive 2025‑26 campaign in which he recorded twelve goals and nine assists, catching Real's attention with his pace, direct dribbling and one‑on‑one ability.
After missing the first five games of the season, Diomande has started five of the past six matches, tallying three goals and four assists, leading the league in complete dribbles per 90 minutes and ranking third for chances created in open play. Mourinho praised his attitude, saying: "He works well and hard, he's humble and wants to learn and work. He listens to me and his team‑mates. He will grow." He added: "He has a lot to improve, but he's had a great game. He's developing."
The suspension of Vinicius gives Diomande a three‑match La Liga window without direct competition, beginning with El Clasico against Barcelona on Sunday, presenting his biggest test since arriving at the Bernabeu.
Mourinho warns Vinicius Jr: the shirt is untouchable at Real Madrid
Endrick, the 20‑year‑old Brazilian, returned from a loan spell at Lyon in the second half of the 2025‑26 season and has struggled for consistent minutes amid fierce competition. His performance against Roma highlighted his acceleration, direct running and willingness to attack defenders, offering Real a versatile option who can operate from the right, drive forward as a central striker and provide a solution against high‑pressing opponents.