Real Madrid actively scout young players in Spain and South American nations, especially Brazil. They usually buy young talents and loan them out to other clubs where they can get more game time. Spanish playmaker Brahim Diaz is one such player who was recruited at a young age. The 24-year-old left Malaga and joined Manchester City, where he struggled for game time. He joined the club in 2019.
The Spanish club decided to loan him out to AC Milan for three years. Diaz made around 90 Serie A appearances and showed signs of improvement over the seasons. He was brought back into Real Madrid’s set-up and Ancelotti is giving this youngster enough chances to prove himself at the top level. A look at Diaz’s stats from the current season shows how he is settling into the squad.
Real Madrid’s new No 10
Brahim Diaz is a number 10 and can play as a wide creative player. Ancelotti has also used Diaz as a centre-forward in some matches. The Spanish playmaker has a direct approach while making progressive runs. His dribble success rate is 57.6% and most of these have been completed in and around the penalty box.
Brahim Diaz’s confidence with the ball and ability to take on defenders has won some crucial free-kicks for his team. Diaz wins 2.53 fouls per 90 minutes, most of which have been won in the opposition’s final third. This shows why the Spaniard is so highly rated.
Creative side and end product
Big teams demand assists and goals from their creative players. Playing as a number 10 means that Diaz has to show his creative side. The Spaniard registered his first assist of the season against Real Betis. Per every 90 minutes, he attempts 4.5 passes to the opposition penalty box. By looking at the above progressive pass map we can observe that Diaz likes to deliver curling balls from his favoured left foot. These passes often find a runner on the far post and create chances for the team.
Brahim Diaz netted his fourth goal of the season in a 4-1 win over Villareal. Averaging 4.25 touches inside the opposition penalty box, Diaz has taken shots from around the penalty spot. He averages nearly two shots per 90 minutes and has a high accuracy rate of 53.3%. His ability to find space inside the box and make runs into it makes Diaz a huge threat to any opposition.
The Spanish midfielder has found his way into the team and will look to contribute more to Real Madrid’s success this season. They are in a strong position in the league and will look to dominate Europe as well.
Visuals via TFA data viz engine
