The transformation of Brahim Diaz at Real Madrid
Brahim Diaz scored a superb goal against RB Leipzig in the last 16 of the Champions League to give Real Madrid an important 0-1 victory over the Germans. With this result, Los Merengues could well be through to the last 8.
Brahim Abdelkader Diaz, also known as Brahim Diaz, has completely revolutionized the Real Madrid midfield. His excellent vision and great technical skill have made him a crucial figure in Carlo Ancelotti's starting eleven.
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When looking at Real Madrid's midfield, they have some of the most talented players in the game. Veterans like Toni Kross and Luka Modric didn't make it easy for young Diaz.
Brahim Diaz had to carve out his own space in an already very competitive squad. Nevertheless, Ancelotti gradually involved Diaz in the starting line-up.
Diaz was born in Malaga, Spain, on August 3rd, 1999. He has dual nationality with Spain and Morocco, according to Transfermarkt. At age 6, he joined his local team, U.D. Mortadelo where he scored his first goals. A year later, he would be poached by Malaga CF scouts.
He displayed great talent at Malaga's youth squads. Scouts from Real Madrid and Barcelona had Diaz on their radar, but Manchester City secured a whooping £200,000 (€234,448; $250,835) deal for the young midfielder, as per The Daily Mail.
His official debut was in 2017, during a Champions League fixture against Feyenoord. He was only 17 at the time.
In 2019, Real Madrid secured his transfer for €17m, per Transfermarkt. He would debut later that same year, but Real Madrid had other plans.
Real Madrid believed a loan move to AC Milan in 2022 was the best option for Diaz to further his development, due to the overpopulated midfield at the time.
After three seasons on loan at AC Milan, Diaz returned to the Santiago Bernabeu in 2023 with a Serie A title and a Champions League semifinal under his belt.
While in Italy, Diaz improved his skills thanks to the regular playing time in one of Europe's most renowned teams. His ability to navigate the midfield with such ease made him a constant nuisance for defenders.
Now at the Santiago Bernabeu, Diaz has mesmerized Madridistas with his incredible skill and his goalscoring capabilities. With Luka Modric and Toni Kroos winding down their contracts to what may be their last season at Real Madrid, Diaz is the perfect replacement.
Beyond his great individualist skills, Diaz reads the game to perfection. He has shown great chemistry with his teammates, especially his friend Jude Bellingham.
So far this season, Diaz has been involved in 28 games, scoring 8 goals and delivering three assists, according to Transfermarkt.
"Brahim can play anywhere across the front. If he plays as a number 10, he has to do more defensive work that doesn't fit his characteristics. When he plays as one of the forwards, he moves brilliantly with the ball at his feet and he has such quality. Against a team that plays very narrowly, he has that ability in tight areas so that helps us. He's got such tremendous quality in tight areas," shared Ancelotti during a press conference, as reported by TalkSport.
"We tried absolutely everything to keep him here (Manchester City), as I said before, I don't want players who don't have their heart and mind here. We tried everything." shared Pep Guardiola during a press conference following the departure of Diaz.
Brahim Diaz is a future world-class talent, without a doubt. His determination to succeed at Real Madrid has shown his strong character and his relentless competitive mindset. What do you think of Brahim Diaz? Is he destined for greatness or will he be a flash in the pan? Let us know in the comments!
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