Emotional first goal and Mourinho praise: Yan Diomande finding his feet at Real
· Yahoo Sports
Yan Diomande clearly has no intention of missing out on his Champions League reunion with the Red Bulls. An assist against Elche, his first goal against Villarreal, another assist against Roma, and most recently, a stunning goal against Sevilla – the former RBL winger is starting to find his feet at Real Madrid.
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Since leaving RB Leipzig last summer, the Ivorian has been getting more and more playing time for Los Blancos, increasing the chances of him coming up against his former club on Wednesday evening (21:00 CEST).
Mourinho giving Yan time to develop
Yan also needed some time to settle in at Real Madrid. With new teammates, unfamiliar surroundings and high expectations to contend with, José Mourinho was keen to ease the youngster into the side.
“There’s no need to rush. He has to take things one step at a time,” Mourinho explained after the opening weeks of the season. “He’s training well and working hard. He’s open-minded and keeps his feet on the ground. He wants to learn, he wants to work. He listens to me and to his teammates, and he’ll continue to improve.”
Mourinho also pointed out that Yan had only one season of experience at the highest level of club football under his belt before moving to Madrid. At the same time, ‘The Special One’ made no secret of how highly he rates the Ivorian: “He’s an outstanding player who gives us plenty of options.”
Mourinho’s faith in Yan is growing – and the youngster is increasingly repaying it.
From first assist to an emotional first goal
After initially featuring as a substitute, Yan quickly worked his way towards a place in the starting XI. He made his first start for Real Madrid against Rayo Vallecano, before registering his first goal contribution shortly afterwards, setting up Kylian Mbappé in a 3-2 win away to Elche.
Another milestone followed after the international break: Yan scored his first competitive goal for Real Madrid in a 1-0 win over Villarreal – against none other than his former Leipzig teammate Péter Gulácsi. He settled the contest with a low finish into the far corner, but the goal meant far more to him than simply winning the game.
“This goal means more to me than words can express. My first goal is for you, sis. Forever in my heart.”
Yan dedicated his first Real Madrid goal to his late sister Roxane, who had always supported him on his journey and to whom he had already written a moving open letter during the World Cup.
Yan shines ahead of RBL reunion
Yan's performances in the last two games have shown just how well he's settled in at Real Madrid.
He started the thrilling 4-3 away win against AS Roma, setting up Mbappé's equaliser and impressing with six successful dribbles, 13 challenges won and four ball recoveries.
Yan then picked up where he left off during this weekend's 4-1 win over Sevilla. He first set up Arda Güler's opener before putting the finishing touches on the victory himself. After a superb solo run, he cut inside and fired a shot from the edge of the box into the top-left corner.
What makes Yan so dangerous is no secret in Leipzig
Yan was equally quick to make an impression in Leipzig. In just one season, the Ivorian established himself as one of the Bundesliga's most dangerous attacking players.
He registered 13 goals and ten assists in 36 competitive appearances for the Red Bulls. With his blistering pace, fearless approach to one-on-ones and eye for goal, Yan caused no end of problems for Bundesliga defences. He was named Bundesliga Rookie of the Season at the end of the campaign.
Having made his breakthrough in Leipzig, Yan is now taking the next step in Madrid. Mourinho has praised his willingness to learn and down-to-earth attitude, but on the pitch he still plays with the same carefree confidence that made him such an exciting player in an RBL shirt.
Wednesday's Champions League clash now promises to be a special reunion on the biggest stage. And as much as it'll be a pleasure to see Yan again at the Bernabéu, his old teammates will have to find a way to keep him quiet for 90 minutes.
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