Real Madrid’s Brahim Diaz Shines as Ancelotti Reconsiders Lineup Amid International Tug-of-War

"I may have been unfair to Brahim these past few months. It’s normal to say that. As an excuse, I’ll say that Bellingham plays in his optimal position. He has delivered performances of incredible quality and sacrifice against Braga and Valencia. He could have played more in recent months," Carlo Ancelotti acknowledged after the victory against Valencia, in which Brahim Díaz was one of the great architects.

The young striker now has two starts with two wins (against the Portuguese in the Champions League and Valencia in La Liga) and a goal. The Malaga native could be a starter for the match against Cádiz. Jude Bellingham’s return could have penalized him, but Vinicius’ absence for three to five months due to injury gives him the opportunity to continue to gain playing time and establish himself in the team, relays El Periodico de España.

Brahim Diaz scored against Las Palmas and was named "player of the match". Davide Ancelotti, Carlo’s son and assistant, counts on the Moroccan player and trusts him. A trust that the young striker wants to continue to deserve. With Vinicius injured, he has a golden opportunity to reveal himself even more on the left wing.

Meanwhile, Diaz is still hesitating between Morocco and Spain for his sports nationality. According to some sources, the player would have already decided to wear the Moroccan jersey, raising concerns at Real Madrid, because if the information were confirmed, Diaz could participate in the Africa Cup of Nations with the Atlas Lions, from January 13 to February 11, 2024 in Côte d’Ivoire. But the player does not intend to take part in it, Real Madrid has made known.