Diomande moves ahead of Yamal as La Liga’s leading dribbler

Yan Diomande has needed only 256 league minutes to reach the top of La Liga’s dribbling chart. According to data published by Diario AS, the Real Madrid winger averages 5.20 successful dribbles per 90 minutes, ahead of Lamine Yamal’s 4.30.

SEVEN SUCCESSFUL DRIBBLES AGAINST ELCHE

José Mourinho handed Diomande his second Real Madrid start in the away game against Elche, and the Ivory Coast international made it count. He completed seven of his nine attempted dribbles during his 89 minutes on the pitch.

Those seven successful take-ons represented half of Madrid’s total for the match. By comparison, Mbappé failed to complete any of his three attempts, while Vinícius Júnior was unsuccessful with his only one.

Diomande also drove down the right and supplied the low cross from which Mbappé made it 2-0. He finished level with Arda Güler and Mbappé for chances created and recorded more successful tackles than any other Madrid player.

AHEAD OF LAMINE YAMAL

Diomande’s average of 5.20 successful dribbles per 90 places him first in the ranking published by AS. Yamal follows on 4.30, with Málaga’s Álex Puga and Sevilla winger Chidera Ejuke both averaging 4.00.

Barcelona can produce as many campaign headlines as it likes, but this particular table is decided on the pitch. For now, Madrid’s young winger has the strongest dribbling rate in the division.

There is an important caveat. Diomande has played 256 of the 630 available league minutes, and 63 per cent of that playing time came in the last two matches against Rayo Vallecano and Elche. The figures illustrate his excellent early impact, rather than guaranteeing that he will remain top throughout the season.

ANOTHER OPTION FOR MOURINHO

Diomande started on the right against Elche before moving to the left following Vinícius Júnior’s substitution in the 68th minute. From the right he offered combination play and crossing. On his natural side, he could attack defenders directly and open his body onto his stronger foot.

AS reports that Güler remains ahead in the competition for a starting place. Nevertheless, the Elche performance showed the depth now available to Mourinho. Madrid can introduce a different attacking profile without changing the overall structure of the side.

It is a welcome selection problem. Opponents must already account for Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior and Güler; now Madrid also have La Liga’s current leader for successful dribbles per 90 minutes.