José Mourinho’s side followed their Clásico victory over Barcelona with a 3-0 win against Racing Santander, extending their winning run to six matches in all competitions. Diomande started again and capped another influential performance with a superb strike from the edge of the penalty area.
The Ivorian has made a decisive contribution since returning from the international break. He had scored four goals and provided three assists in his previous six appearances, underlining the impact he has made during Madrid’s recent improvement.
Valdano, speaking on Movistar, has been impressed by the forward’s development and the confidence he has gained as his involvement has increased.
“He has been gaining confidence; he looked timid in the first matches,” the former Madrid player said.
The analyst then turned his attention to the implications for Vinícius, whose place in Mourinho’s side is no longer guaranteed after the performances of his team-mates.
“These matches are bad news for Vinícius, who is going to have to win back the place that his team-mates have now taken from him,” Valdano said.
The Brazilian is due to start Wednesday’s Champions League meeting with AEK Athens, but will then serve the final match of his domestic suspension against Valencia. He is eligible to return in LaLiga after the international break, when Madrid face Celta Vigo.
Mourinho has made clear that he values Vinícius, while stopping short of promising him an automatic place in the team.
“I like Vinícius a lot, I need him, but I am not saying he is going to be a starter,” the Madrid coach said before the Racing match.
The result kept Madrid firmly in the early-season title picture. Diomande’s form has given Mourinho another attacking option and strengthened the sense that places must be earned rather than assumed. For Vinícius, the challenge is now to respond when he returns to domestic action.