Brahim Diaz returned to Real Madrid last summer after spending three years on loan at AC Milan, and signed a new long-term contract as well.
While he was always unlikely to establish himself as a regular starter in a team filled with big names like Vinicius Jr., Jude Bellingham, and Rodrygo Goes, the Spanish-Moroccan footballer more than held his own whenever given a chance.
Determined to succeed
Heading into the new season, though, Brahim once again finds himself facing severe competition for places in Carlo Ancelotti’s setup.
After all, Real Madrid have made another superstar addition to their ranks in the form of Kylian Mbappe, who is bound to be a permanent fixture in the starting XI, along with Vinicius Jr.
As such, there will be an intense battle for minutes for the remaining one attacking slot with the likes of Rodrygo, Arda Guler, and even Endrick vying for the spot, apart from Brahim.
But, according to Mundo Deportivo, the 25-year-old Moroccan international, who is the favourite to win the African Player of the Year award, is determined to succeed at Real Madrid despite the competition for places.
Brahim is aware that he will have stiff competition in attack, but he hopes to have more opportunities than last season as Real Madrid will be involved in seven competitions (La Liga, UCL, Copa del Rey, UEFA and Spanish Super Cups, Intercontinental and Club World Cup).
If Real Madrid advance in all competitions, they may end up planning as many as 75 matches over the course of the season. As such, Diaz is hopeful that he will get his opportunity and intends to make the most of it whenever he does.
Valued at the club
Diaz, who turned 25 years old today, finished the 2023/24 season with a tally of 12 goals and nine assists from 44 matches, playing a crucial part in Real Madrid’s La Liga, UCL, and Spanish Super Cup success.
Only Vinicius (24), Bellingham (23), Rodrygo (17), and Joselu (17), scored more than the 25-year-old last season.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti values Brahim’s attacking versatility highly and has made this known to the club, who will not listen to any offers for the player.