Mourinho Says Diomandé "Has Everything" Needed to Be a Regular Starter

Real Madrid boss José Mourinho says teenage winger Yan Diomandé is missing nothing needed to become a regular starter, despite facing tough competition for a place in the team's attack.

Mourinho was asked about the Ivorian ahead of Real Madrid's La Liga match against Elche, following Diomandé's first start for the club in a 4-1 win over Rayo Vallecano at the Santiago Bernabéu. Asked directly what the 19-year-old needed to do to nail down a regular spot, Mourinho did not hold back.

"Nothing is missing," Mourinho said.

He went on to say Diomandé would already be a guaranteed starter almost anywhere else in the world.

"If he were at any other team in the world, he would play 90 minutes in every match," Mourinho said.

According to the coach, Diomandé's lack of regular starts has nothing to do with his ability and everything to do with the sheer number of attacking options at Real Madrid.

"We have many options: Diomande, Vinicius Junior, Arda Guler, Brahim Diaz and then Rodrygo Goes will be back soon," Mourinho said. "So when we talk about an indispensable starter, it becomes difficult."

Real Madrid currently sit second in La Liga with 12 points from five matches, three points behind rivals and leaders Barcelona.

The comments follow Diomandé's encouraging full debut against Rayo Vallecano, where he showed flashes of the qualities that convinced Real Madrid to sign him from RB Leipzig over the summer. Mourinho praised the youngster's instincts in attacking situations but admitted there is still work to do on the tactical side of his game.

"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," Mourinho said.

The coach also said he is keen to focus on Diomandé's development personally, given how well he already knows what his more experienced players bring to the side.

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

Diomandé's inexperience at the top level in Europe is another factor Mourinho pointed to, noting that most of his senior football came last season with Leipzig.

"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," Mourinho said.

One thing working in Diomandé's favour is his versatility. Mourinho explained that the winger can fill more than one role in the front line, which gives the team extra flexibility.

"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," he said.

For Diomandé, the start against Rayo Vallecano marked an important early step in his Real Madrid career. With his pace, dribbling and finishing already turning heads, he will now be looking to build on that performance and push his way into Mourinho's plans on a more regular basis.