Real Madrid tests attacking options while Vinicius Jr serves La Liga ban
Vinicius Jr's four-match La Liga suspension has pushed Jose Mourinho to reshuffle Real Madrid's attack, with Yan Diomande, Endrick and Carlos Espi making cases for bigger roles.
Vinicius Jr's four-match La Liga suspension has forced Jose Mourinho to reconsider Real Madrid's forward line, and recent matches have offered a look at how the attack could function without the Brazilian. In a 4-1 win over Sevilla, Mbappe led the line with Endrick on the right, Yan Diomande on the left and Jude Bellingham in midfield — a setup the article describes as one of Real's most complete attacking displays of the season.
Wednesday's 4-1 Champions League win over RB Leipzig used a different shape, with Mbappe up front and Vinicius and Arda Guler supporting him. Diomande came on for Vinicius in the 69th minute and scored Real's fourth with a volley, while Carlos Espi and Endrick were brought on late. Mourinho has stressed that no player is untouchable and that performances determine selection.
Diomande, signed from RB Leipzig after a 2025-26 campaign of 12 goals and nine assists, did not start any of Real's first five games this season but has started five of the past six, including the last three. The article notes he has three goals and four assists, the most complete dribbles per 90 minutes and the third-most chances created in open play. Mourinho has praised his humility and willingness to learn while saying he still has much to improve. With Vinicius available in the Champions League, Diomande's biggest test comes in Sunday's El Clasico against Barcelona.
Endrick, 20, returned from a loan at Lyon to a squad deep in attacking options, but his performance against Roma showed the acceleration and direct running that can change an attack's tempo. The article suggests he could operate from the right, drive at goal or play centrally, offering a way to carry the ball against aggressive pressing — provided he gets a defined role and meaningful minutes.
Espi, 21, has scored three goals in just 37 minutes across La Liga and the Champions League. At 6ft 4in and signed after an 11-goal league season with Levante, he gives Mourinho a natural centre-forward who can occupy defenders and attack crosses, though Mbappe's place limits his starting chances. The article frames him as an impact option against tired defenders rather than a guaranteed starter.
Image: Getty Images / BBC Sport
